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…