Schaumburg, Illinois – A 28-year-old man is accused of killing his father with a sledgehammer and then telling his mother she “should go check on him,” according to Cook County prosecutors. The shocking attack unfolded Saturday morning inside a quiet suburban home, leaving a 67-year-old father dead and the son charged with first-degree murder.
Incident overview
Authorities say Abhijit Patel, 28, was arrested at the family’s Schaumburg residence after allegedly bludgeoning his father, Anupam Patel, while he lay in bed. The mother, who was at work at the time, became concerned when neither her husband nor son answered the phone and later received a cryptic call from Abhijit telling her she “should go check” on his father.
When she returned home around 10:30 a.m., she found the garage unlocked — something prosecutors say was unusual for the household. Inside, she encountered her son, who allegedly told her that he had “taken care of his father.” Moments later, she discovered her husband covered in blood and immediately called 911.
Timeline of events leading up to the discovery
Prosecutors noted that Anupam Patel was diabetic and routinely called his wife at 8 a.m. to report his glucose levels, which she monitored remotely through an app. On the morning of the killing, she never received that call and saw his glucose levels dropping on the app, heightening her concern.
Officials told reporters that her inability to reach either family member prompted her return home, where she encountered the disturbing aftermath.
Details from the police investigation
Responding officers found Abhijit Patel inside the home with his hands raised. A sledgehammer was discovered next to the bed where Anupam Patel was found critically injured. He was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead.
A medical examiner’s autopsy revealed that the victim had been struck at least twice in the head, suffering a fractured skull and broken nose.
When detectives questioned Abhijit Patel, he allegedly claimed he had a “religious duty” to kill his father. Officers also reported that Patel insisted his father had abused him as a child — accusations prosecutors say his doctors described as delusional.
Mental health history and prior threats
Court documents obtained by the Arlington Cardinal indicate that Abhijit Patel had previously been admitted to a psychiatric hospital and diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Prosecutors also confirmed that Patel was under an active order of protection that prohibited any contact with his father after past threats to kill him. The protection order took effect in January 2025 and was scheduled to remain in place until January 2027.
His troubling behavior extended beyond the home. In November 2024, he allegedly made alarming comments on social media and in group chats directed at other students at the University of Illinois Chicago. The university banned him from campus pending psychiatric evaluation.
What prosecutors are saying
During Monday’s court appearance, Cook County prosecutors outlined the severity of the attack and the history of danger Patel posed to his father. They emphasized the mother’s testimony, the physical evidence recovered at the scene, and Patel’s own statements to investigators.
Community reaction and broader context
The killing has left the community stunned, particularly given the suburban setting and the alleged mental-health-related factors leading up to the violence. Domestic incidents involving severe psychiatric disorders often raise questions about treatment access, monitoring, and family safety measures. Advocates say such tragedies highlight the need for early intervention and consistent mental-health support when individuals show signs of escalating instability.
Current legal status
Abhijit Patel has been charged with first-degree murder and ordered held without bond. A judge also barred him from contacting his mother. His next court date is set for December 19.
Conclusion
The case continues to develop as investigators review Patel’s prior medical history, past threats, and the circumstances that led to this fatal confrontation. Officials say additional details may emerge in the coming hearings.
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