'Most Wanted' fugitive accused in murder of Northbrook lawyer arrested in Mexico
CHICAGO - A manhunt that spanned nearly eight years for a Northbrook murder suspect has ended after John Panaligan was taken into custody in Mexico.
On Monday, the businessman-turned-fugitive was found by law enforcement officers in Tepic, Mexico, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
He was turned over to Mexican immigration authorities and deported to the U.S. on Tuesday. Panaligan was then arrested by Northbrook police upon arrival at O’Hare International Airport.
Panaligan is accused of strangling Victor Jigar Patel, 36, in his law office, located in the 1300 block of Shermer Road, in 2016. He is now charged with first-degree murder in Patel’s killing.
Panaligan, 57, has held a place on the U.S. Marshals ‘15 Most Wanted Fugitives’ list since 2020.
"The U.S. Marshals Office tirelessly assisted the Northbrook Police Department in an extensive manhunt," said Deputy Chief Marc Fainman, of the Northbrook Police Department.
"Together we were able to take down a known fugitive, take him into custody and begin the process of bringing closure to Mr. Patel’s family," said Interim Police Chief John Ustich, of the Northbrook Police Department.
At the time of his murder, Patel was representing clients in a civil lawsuit against Panaligan and his home healthcare company.
"The evidence and investigation later exposed John Panaligan’s carefully-planned murder of Jigar Patel," said Fainman.
On Dec. 7, 2016, Patel’s body was discovered in his law office. Panaligan had allegedly scheduled an appointment with Patel using an alias and disguised himself to carry out the murder, with security cameras capturing him near the crime scene, police said.
"Within days of the murder, John Panaligan fled the country and was arrested by Canadian authorities after attempting to smuggle a hidden firearm into Canada," said Fainman. "Multiple search warrants were executed, and evidence was collected from Panaligan and his possessions."
However, with forensics still processing at the time and not enough evidence for charges yet, Panaligan was released.
When evidence confirmed he was the prime suspect, he was already on the move.
A nationwide arrest warrant for first-degree murder was issued in February 2017.
"Unfortunately, at this point, we do not have the Mr. Panaligan in custody. He has, to the best of our knowledge, fled the area," former Northbrook Police Chief Charles Wernick said at the time.
In November 2020, Panaligan was placed on the U.S. Marshals ‘Most Wanted Fugitives’ list.
His capture this week was the result of years of collaboration between the U.S. Marshals Service, Mexican authorities and the Northbrook Police Department.
"The U.S. Marshals office tirelessly assisted the Northbrook Police Department in an extensive manhunt until Panaligan was located this week in Tepic, Mexico," said Fainman.
Tepic is situated about 100 miles north of Puerta Vallarta.
"The bottom line is that if you are a fugitive from justice and you think that you’re going to escape, you will not. You will be apprehended, and you will be brought in," said U.S. Marshal LaDon Reynolds, of the Northern District of Illinois.
Officials also said on Wednesday that they believe Panaligan was assisted by friends and family in evading law enforcement.
"This arrest is a reminder that there is no place to hide from justice," U.S. Marshals Director Ronald L. Davis said in a statement.
Police said they now hope this helps bring the Patel family some much-awaited justice.
"Although I never met him personally, I understand that Jigar Patel was a charismatic and incredibly intelligent young attorney," said Fainman. "We are grateful to everyone that assisted in making this arrest possible and beginning the process of justice for Jigar Patel and his family."
Panaligan, who is a dual citizen of the U.S. and the Philippines, is expected to face trial in Illinois for Patel’s murder. He appeared before a judge on Wednesday and is due back in court on Nov. 13.