Raj Patel | Homicide Watch DC

MPD: Video Shows Suspects in Shooting Death of Brookland Store Owner Raj Patel

Laura Amico — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:39:34 -0400

MPD has released a video of two suspects in the shooting death of Raj Patel at his Brookland shop, Newton Avenue FoodMart.

Patel, 46, was killed in December 2010. The shooting was believed to have been part of a robbery. Patel's wife and son were also in the store at the time of the shooting.

In Dec. 2010 MPD released still photos of two people believed to be connected to the shooting. The video released today appears to be the source of those previous photos.

From MPD:

May 18, 2012

MPD Seeking Public’s Assistance in Identifying Suspects in the Shooting Death of Rajeshkumar Patel

The Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two male suspects in the homicide of Rajeshkumar Patel.

On Saturday, December 18, 2010, at approximately 6:40 pm, units from the Fifth District responded to the 3600 block of 12th Street, NE to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel transported the victim to a local area hospital where the victim succumbed to his injuries and was subsequently pronounced dead.

The two male suspects are depicted in the attached photographs and video.

These suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411

No arrests yet in Raj Patel Murder Case, Commander Tells Listserve

Laura Amico — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:48:45 -0400

MPD Captain Andy Solberg responded to a listserve request for information about the murder of shopkeeper Raj Patel at the Newton FoodMart.

Here's what he said:

I met last week with the homicide detective who is handling this case and the captain who oversees the homicide division, as well as the commander of the detective bureau.

There have been no arrests in the case. The detective is still following up on information that we obtained immediately after the murder.

That’s really about all I can release to you. If there are any updates we will let the community know quickly.

Andy Solberg

Brookland Vigil for Raj Patel

Laura Amico — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:04:56 -0500

MyFoxDC was at a candlelight vigil in memory of slain Brookland grocer Raj Patel Tuesday night. They filed this report:

Candlelight Vigil Held For Slain Grocery Store Owner: MyFoxDC.com

NBC Washington reported:

At the vigil, there were songs and prayers. Those who knew Patel shared their thoughts about a well respected and loved businessman, husband and father. His 22-year-old son, Chris Patel, was there in the shop with his mom when his dad was shot.

Obviously distraught, and in tears, all he could say was “Thank you. Thank you for everything.”
Patel also leaves behind two sons in India. The family is desperately trying to get them here for the funeral.

Surveillance Photos Show Suspects in Brookland's Newton FoodMart Shooting

Laura Amico — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:46:48 -0500

Metro Police released today still photos taken from the surveillance camera at Brookland's Newton FoodMart where manager Raj Patel was killed Saturday.

An award of up to $25,000 is available to anyone who provides information leading up to the arrest and conviction of the shooting suspects, Metro PD has said. Washington Post and WUSA have reported on the photos and reward.

Services Thursday for Raj Patel of Brookland's Newton FoodMart

Laura Amico — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:29:44 -0500

A funeral will be held Thursday in Clinton, Md. for Brookland's Newton FoodMart manager Raj Patel. Patel was killed in his shop Saturday in a botched robbery attempt.

The funeral will be held at Lee Funeral Home (6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Rd, Clinton Md.) at 3 p.m. Thursday. A visitation begins Thursday at 1 p.m.

Thanks Brookland Avenue for the tip. Homicide Watch D.C. verified the times with staff at Lee Funeral Home.

Raj Patel, Slain FoodMart Owner, Remembered in Brookland

Chris Amico — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 23:24:03 -0500

Friends and neighbors of Raj Patel began leaving flowers outside the Newton Avenue FoodMart where the 46-year-old was killed Saturday evening. BrooklandAvenue reports that a memorial was held today and a funeral is planned for Thursday.

ABC7 reports that was killed while his wife and son watched during a robbery at the family's store.

Patel may have caught the gunmen by surprise, the Post reports:

A man who identified himself as Patel's nephew said that Patel had been in the back of the store when the robbers arrived and accosted his wife and son, ordering them down on the floor. One of the thieves shot Patel as he emerged from a storage room, the nephew said.

"My uncle had no idea the robbery was happening," said the nephew, who declined to identify himself for fear of retribution. "He walked out, and the guy fired at him and ran off."

Street Scene from Brookland Shooting

Laura Amico — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 10:36:55 -0500

A Twitter narrative of Saturday evening's fatal shooting in Brookland follows after the jump. Have something that you think should be included? Comment or e-mail HomicideWatchDC [at] gmail.com.

Brookland Foodmart Manager Killed in Robbery

Laura Amico — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:32:10 -0500

A manager of Brookland's Newton Foodmart was shot and killed in a robbery attempt early Saturday night according to police and press reports.

In a message on the 5th District's listserve, Metro Police Commander Lamar Greene said:

two gunmen entered the location dressed in dark clothing and attempted to rob the location. One of the suspects discharged a firearm striking the manager in the chest. The victim died as a result of the injury.

D.C. crime blogger Alan Henney of the Examiner said the incident occurred at 6:40 p.m. Saturday. Police were looking for two suspects; one wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a black patch on the hat an another who wore a black hooded sweatshirt.

Both men were armed with silver handguns, Henney said.

The manager who was killed has not been identified.

Greene asked anyone with information about the shooting to call police immediately at 202-727-9099.

"We need your help to close this horrible crime," he said.

Brookland ANC Commissioner Timothy Clark posted this message to Twitter:

Devastated to hear about the shooting in #brookland.less than a minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®Timothy Clark
TimClarkANC5C05

The Washington Post, TBD, NBC Washington and Brookland Avenue reported on the incident also.

Homicide Watch D.C. will try to follow through the day with updates. If you can help, leave a comment or send a note to HomicideWatch DC [at] gmail.com