FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES FILED AGAINST MAN IN BURNING DEATH OF FOUR YEAR-OLD SON

Older brother remains hospitalized

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that First Degree Murder charges have been filed against Kaushik Patel, 34, (d.o.b. 10/7/1973) of Glendale Heights, in connection with the death of his four year-old son Om.  Patel was also charged with Aggravated Arson and Attempted First Degree Murder in the incident that claimed the life of Om and severely injured his eldest son, seven year-old Vishv. 

It is alleged that on November 18^th 2007, Patel lured his two young sons into the bathroom of their Glendale Heights home.  Once inside the bathroom, it is alleged that the boys were then doused with gasoline and set on fire.  It is further alleged that Patel then drove his two boys to a relative’s house approximately five miles away where the relative alerted authorities.  Patel, who was also injured in the alleged attack, has been in the hospital under police watch since the incident.  Vishv is still in the hospital in stable condition.

  “What Mr. Patel is accused of, intentionally setting his own sons on fire, is unspeakable,” remarked Birkett.  “This complete disregard for human life is just gut-wrenching.  These two young boys suffered unimaginable pain, allegedly at the hands of their own father.    Our thoughts and prayers are with Vishv and his family.  We pray Vishv fully recovers from the severe burns he sustained on November 18, 2007.  I cannot say enough about the tremendous efforts of Loyola Hospital’s care of both Vishv and Om both medically and emotionally.  This outstanding compassionate care also was extended to the defendant.  Thanks to Loyola’s efforts’ Kaushik is alive and if convicted, will live out the rest of his life in a prison cell.”

First Degree Murder carries a minimum sentence of 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). 

Patel appeared in Bond Court this afternoon where Judge Daniel Guerin set his bond at $10 million full cash bond.  Patel’s next scheduled court appearance is set for Tuesday February 19 at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Kathryn Creswell for hearing on the State’s motion to deny bail. Patel will remain in custody pending the outcome of the State’s motion to deny bond.

Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendants’ guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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