Maryland (TIP): Indian Origin Palak Patel was found lying dead in the kitchen at a Dunkin’ Donuts on the night of April 12.
The incident came to light When a customer walked into an empty Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins, across from a high-trafficked casino and mall in Hanover, Md., the shop was empty at 10:51 p.m. and the customer called 911. A responding officer found 21-year-old Palak Patel lying dead in the kitchen, Anne Arundel County Police said.
Investigators believe Patel was fatally struck multiple times with an object and on Monday named her husband, who also worked at the store, a murder suspect.
Accused Husband, Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel is a Co-worker wanted for murder after Dunkin’ Donuts employee found beaten to death in kitchen at Maryland store, cops say (VIDEO). Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, 24, who is still at large, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and dangerous weapon with intent to injure, Anne Arundel police said.
“We’re not ruling out the fact that he may still be local. He could be on foot. We do not have any vehicle information, no indication of a vehicle,” Anne Arundel County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy told WBAL.
The couple reportedly lived in a nearby apartment complex and police said they responded to a neighbor’s call about “loud noises or banging” in December, but there are no documented incidents of domestic violence.
“All of us at Dunkin’ Brands are saddened to learn of the death of crew member Palak Bhadreskumar Patel, and our thoughts go out to her family and friends,” Dunkin’ Donuts said in a statement. “The franchise owner is cooperating fully with the local authorities in their investigation. As this is a pending police matter, it is inappropriate for us to comment further.”