Authorities in Mexico have apprehended a man believed to be responsible for the murder of an attorney from Illinois, a case that dates back nearly eight years.
The U.S. Marshals Service reported on Wednesday that John Panaligan, 57, was arrested in Tepic, Mexico, on Monday. He had been listed among the 15 Most Wanted Fugitives by the Marshals since 2020.
Investigators contend that Panaligan is the individual who strangled 36-year-old Victor Jigar Patel, a real estate attorney, in December 2016 at his office located in Northbrook, Illinois. Patel was involved in a legal case against Panaligan, representing plaintiffs in a civil lawsuit.
It is alleged that Panaligan tricked Patel into meeting by booking an appointment under a false name and arriving at the meeting disguised. Following Patel’s death, local police in Northbrook interrogated Panaligan and executed several search warrants on his possessions, but he managed to escape prior to being taken into custody.
Initially, authorities thought Panaligan had fled to the Philippines in 2017. Investigators have confirmed that he holds dual citizenship in both the United States and the Philippines.
The Marshals Service stated that Panaligan was extradited to the United States on Tuesday; however, they did not disclose his current holding location. Whether he has legal representation is still uncertain.
An email was sent to the Marshals seeking further details late Wednesday afternoon but has not yet received a response.
