Post by Scumhunter on Nov 6, 2018 0:37:56 GMT -5
(Above: Left: Champben Patel. Right: Anita Patel. Photo Credits: ct.gov)
From the state of Connecticut website- Division of Criminal Justice- Cold Cases section:
Champaben Patel - Anita Patel - March 1996 - Windsor - $50,000 REWARD
On March 21, 1996, the bodies of Champaben Patel and her daughter Anita were found in their family home in Windsor. Champaben Patel had been strangled and her body burned. Anita had been stabbed and her body burned.
In March 2006, the Governor authorized a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the slayings.
Investigators believe Champaben Patel was killed first, in the bedroom of her home. They further suspect that Anita Patel and her two children arrived at the house while the attack was occurring, and that Anita told the children, then ages 3 and 5, to leave the house.
The children ran from the house and were found by a woman walking to her mailbox, who called the police.
Anita Patel was stabbed in the kitchen. Gasoline was poured around her body and set afire. Although she had been stabbed a total of 14 times, an autopsy determined that she died of smoke inhalation.
The case is being investigated by the Cold Case Unit of the Chief State's Attorney's Office. Connecticut investigators are consulting with the Vidocq Society, a group of forensic experts who contribute their time and expertise in unsolved cases.
www.ct.gov/csao/cwp/view.asp?a=1798&q=291462 (scroll down for case)
Thoughts? What a tragic case that should have more attention after all these years. According to a 2006 article, Windsor police had considered Jatin Patel- Champabne's son and Anita's brother- their prime suspect. They believe he was bitter at the treatment of his wife and was going through financial troubles. Jatin- said to be outraged- filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Windsor P.D., which was dismissed: www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2006-03-19-0603190193-story.html
However, there doesn't seem to be much in local media or online since then, and this case really needs more attention.
Admin Note #1: According to the state of Connecticut website- Division of Criminal Justice section- anyone with information on this case should e-mail cold.case@ct.gov and/or call the tip line at 860-548-0606 or toll-free at 1-866-623-8058. All calls and e-mails will be kept confidential.
Admin Note #2: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form