On January 19, 2022, Manitoba RCMP discovered four bodies near Emerson, Manitoba, approximately 12 metres from the Canada/U.S. border. Their deaths were determined to be due to exposure. Investigators believe the family was dropped-off near the border and was attempting to enter the United States on foot with a larger group of people, when they became separated and succumbed to the elements.
The four victims were from the same family and were all Indian nationals:
o Jagdishkumar PATEL, a 39-year-old male;
o Vaishaliben PATEL, a 37-year-old female;
o Vihangi PATEL, an 11-year-old female; and
o Dharmik PATEL, a 3-year-old male.
An extensive investigation was immediately launched by the Manitoba RCMP, including officers from the Emerson RCMP Detachment, Major Crime Services and Federal Policing. Officers have been working in close collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. RCMP Liaison Officers in India and Washington have also been assisting throughout the investigation.
Over the past nine months, our officers have travelled extensively across Canada and the United States to conduct interviews and follow-up on tips.
We can confirm that the Patel family’s travel from India to Canada, and their attempt to gain entry into the United States, was very thought-out and organized, likely being run by a human smuggling network. Investigators believe that secure messaging applications were used to communicate.
The investigation into their movements within Canada have confirmed the following:
On January 12, 2022, at approximately 2:30 pm (eastern), the Patel family arrived in Canada at Toronto Pearson International Airport. They arrived in Toronto via an international flight that left Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on January 12, 2022.
The Patel family was picked up at the airport by a private vehicle. They moved a few times while in Toronto, staying at both a private accommodation and hotels. The family at times used ride-share apps to travel between these various accommodations.
Investigators believe they left the Toronto area shortly before they were discovered near the Canada-United States border on January 19, 2022. It is unknown at this time how they travelled from Toronto to Emerson. All commercial modes of transportation between these two locations, including air, rail and bus, have been verified by investigators.
In an effort to further the investigation, we are releasing video surveillance from January 12, 2022, of the Patel family at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
“We have a specific gap in the Patel’s timeline between January 15th to when they were so tragically discovered near the border on January 19th. We’re confident that people saw and helped the family during this time as they travelled more than 2000 km from Toronto to Emerson,” said Sergeant Gary Bird, an investigator with RCMP Major Crime Services. “We need these people to come forward and share what they know about the Patel family’s journey within Canada. Even the smallest bit of information could be significant. This should not have happened. Four lives, an entire family, are gone. We need the people who have information to step forward, so we can find out what happened and hold those involved to account.”
We urge anyone who may have information to call Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services at 431-489-8551, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com
A link to a YouTube video can be found below.
