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Man kills father with sledgehammer on Thanksgiving
17 Dec, 2025
Summary
- 28-year-old charged with murdering his father with a sledgehammer.
- Alleged murder occurred on Thanksgiving weekend at their home.
- Suspect claims religious duty, has schizophrenia diagnosis.
A 28-year-old Indian-origin man, Abhijit Patel, is facing first-degree murder charges in Schaumburg, Illinois, for allegedly killing his father with a sledgehammer. The brutal attack reportedly took place over the Thanksgiving weekend at their family residence.
Prosecutors detailed that Anupam Patel, the victim, was found deceased from significant head trauma. Abhijit Patel confessed to the police, citing a "religious obligation" and past alleged abuse by his father. Medical records indicate Patel has a schizophrenia diagnosis and has undergone prior treatment for his condition.
Despite an existing order of protection from his family that prohibited contact with his father, Abhijit Patel resided at home. He is currently held without bail, awaiting his next court hearing scheduled for December 19.
