On the evening of January 11, 2017, Maulik Patel, a 31-year-old male, was driving his Hyundai Sonata in St. Louis, Missouri, on his way home from his convenience store in the northern part of the city. As he waited at a traffic light on northbound Goodfellow Boulevard at Interstate 70, another vehicle, described as a newer-model four-door car with tinted windows, possibly a Honda Civic, pulled up alongside him. Several individuals inside this car began shooting at Mr. Patel while he was still seated in his vehicle.
In an attempt to escape the unprovoked attack, Maulik Patel exited his car. However, the assailants continued their assault, shooting him multiple times. He tragically died at the scene from his injuries. At the time of the incident, he was the sole occupant of his vehicle. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting, and authorities have not been able to provide any description of the individuals inside the car.
The motive for this violent act remains unknown to law enforcement. In the wake of his death, Maulik Patel's family, including his wife Ripal and their son, were left devastated. Described as a dedicated family man who was always willing to help others, his sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through his community. In an effort to bring the perpetrators to justice, his family offered a significant reward for any information that would lead to an arrest. CrimeStoppers also contributed to the reward fund. Despite these efforts and the ongoing police investigation, no arrests have been made in the case, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The case remains an open homicide investigation.
