WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant breakthrough, law enforcement in Mexico has apprehended a man wanted in connection with the strangulation murder of an Illinois attorney nearly eight years ago.
On Monday, John Panaligan, 57, was arrested in Tepic, as announced by the U.S. Marshals Service. He had been listed among the 15 Most Wanted Fugitives since 2020, highlighting the urgency and notoriety of this case.
Panaligan is accused of taking the life of 36-year-old real estate attorney Victor Jigar Patel in December 2016, allegedly after luring him to his Northbrook office under a false identity. Patel was serving as legal counsel for plaintiffs in a civil lawsuit against Panaligan.
Authorities suspect that Panaligan disguised himself to facilitate the meeting. Following Patel’s death, Northbrook police conducted extensive questioning and executed multiple search warrants related to Panaligan’s belongings, but he evaded capture.
Initial investigations suggested he may have fled to the Philippines in 2017, where he holds dual citizenship in both the Philippines and the United States.
On Tuesday, the Marshals confirmed that Panaligan has been extradited to the U.S. and is currently in the custody of the Northbrook Police Department, marking a pivotal moment in the long-running investigation.
As for legal representation, inquiries regarding an attorney for Panaligan were directed to the police department, but responses were not immediately available.
