Illinois Murder Suspect on U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted Fugitive List Arrested in Mexico

Washington, DC - The manhunt for an Illinois murder suspect placed on the U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted fugitives list in 2020 ended Oct. 21, 2024, when Mexican law enforcement officers arrested John Panaligan in Tepic, Mexico. The fugitive is not a national of the country and was turned over to Mexican immigration authorities who deported him to the United States Oct. 22.

Panaligan, 57, was wanted for allegedly murdering attorney Victor Jigar Patel, who was found strangled to death in his Northbrook, Illinois, office Dec. 7, 2016. At the time of his death, Patel, 36, was representing plaintiffs suing Panaligan in civil court. 

"I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to the men and women of the Marshals Service, as well as to the officials from the Government of Mexico,” said Director Ronald L. Davis. “I hope this arrest brings some measure of comfort to the Patel family and serves as a stark reminder to fugitives from justice that there is no place to hide.”

“The collaborative work of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Northbrook Police Department in the apprehension of this international fugitive is a testament to our strong regional relationships and the value it brings to our community,” said U.S. Marshal LaDon Reynolds of the Northern District of Illinois. 

“The United States Marshal’s Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force worked tirelessly in collaboration with the Northbrook Police and other agencies to apprehend the fugitive.  The relentless efforts by law enforcement for the past 8 years are a clear reminder that you cannot hide from justice. The Northbrook Police Department remains committed to providing closure for the family of the victim, Jigar Patel,” said Interim Chief John Ustich of the Northbrook Police Department.

Panaligan allegedly lured Patel to his law office by scheduling an appointment using an alias. Authorities believe Panaligan showed up wearing a disguise, which was captured on nearby security cameras, and then killed the victim in his office. 

Two days later, Panaligan was detained at the Canadian border for allegedly smuggling a firearm into Canada but was eventually allowed to return to the U.S. where he was interviewed by Northbrook Police in relation to Patel’s death. During the investigation, authorities executed multiple search warrants of Panaligan's belongings and property. Evidence collected gave authorities reason to believe Panaligan was the prime suspect in Patel’s murder. 

Panaligan is believed to have fled to Mexico before he could be arrested. An arrest warrant for first-degree murder was issued for Panaligan Feb. 8, 2017. The USMS placed him on its 15 Most Wanted list Nov. 23, 2020, and offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his capture. Due to Panaligan's international ties and dual citizenship between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines, authorities believed he could have traveled anywhere with assistance from acquaintances to elude capture.

Created in 1983, the USMS 15 Most Wanted (15MW) fugitive program draws attention to some of the country’s most dangerous and high-profile fugitives. These fugitives tend to be career criminals with histories of violence who pose a significant threat to public safety. 

Generally, 15MW fugitives are considered the “worst of the worst” and can include murderers, sex offenders, major drug kingpins, organized crime figures and individuals wanted for high-profile financial crimes. Since the program began in 1983, more than 250 15MW fugitive cases have been closed. 

The USMS has a long history of providing assistance and expertise to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in support of their fugitive investigations. Working with authorities at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels, USMS-led fugitive task forces arrested more than 73,000 fugitives and cleared nearly 86,000 warrants in FY 2023.