Kidnapping – California Sikh Man Found Dead After Abduction
Kidnapping – A 57-year-old Sikh community member who was reported missing earlier this month has been confirmed dead following an apparent abduction in Northern California, according to law enforcement officials. Authorities now believe he was not the intended victim of the crime.
Avtar Singh was last seen on the evening of February 17 in Tracy, a city located in San Joaquin County. Family members reported him missing around 8:52 p.m. after he failed to return home. What began as a search for a missing person quickly escalated into a multi-agency investigation spanning two counties.
Surveillance Footage Raises Alarm
As detectives pieced together Singh’s final known movements, security camera recordings provided crucial clues. Investigators said video captured around 2:30 p.m. on the day he disappeared shows Singh near a white sport utility vehicle accompanied by three unidentified individuals dressed in dark clothing.
Authorities stated that Singh appeared to enter the vehicle under duress. The circumstances suggested he did not go willingly, prompting investigators to treat the case as a suspected kidnapping.
Law enforcement agencies began coordinating efforts to locate Singh and identify those involved. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation, working alongside neighboring jurisdictions as new information emerged.
Body Discovered Near Lake Berryessa
On February 20, at approximately 3:20 p.m., the Napa County Sheriff’s Office located a body near Lake Berryessa that matched the description of the missing man. Officials later confirmed the remains were those of Avtar Singh.
The discovery shifted the case from a missing persons inquiry to a homicide investigation. Detectives have since been working to determine the sequence of events that led to Singh’s death and to identify the individuals responsible.
In a public statement, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office described the case as an isolated incident and reassured residents that there is no evidence of an ongoing threat to the broader community.
Investigators Say Victim Was Not Intended Target
Speaking to local media, San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow indicated that early findings suggest Singh was not the person the suspects initially sought.
According to Withrow, investigators believe the abductors were attempting to locate another individual for reasons that have not yet been disclosed. Singh, authorities say, was mistakenly targeted.
While officials declined to release specific details about potential suspects or a motive, they emphasized that the investigation remains active. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence and follow leads in hopes of clarifying why Singh was taken and how the events unfolded.
Community Mourns a Dedicated Volunteer
Beyond the investigation, Singh’s death has left a deep void within the local Sikh community. He had long served as a volunteer at a Sikh temple in the area, where he also lived with his wife and their three young triplets.
Community members described him as devoted and dependable. For more than two decades, Singh worked primarily as the head cook at the temple, preparing meals for worshippers and visitors. Those who knew him say his contributions extended well beyond the kitchen.
Friends recalled that he was often among the first to arrive and the last to leave, assisting wherever help was needed. His steady presence and commitment made him a respected figure within the congregation.
Ongoing Search for Answers
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and witness accounts as they continue to pursue leads.
Officials reiterated that, based on current information, there is no indication of a broader pattern of violence connected to this case. However, they acknowledged that many questions remain unanswered.
As the investigation progresses, Singh’s family and community await clarity and justice. Law enforcement agencies say they are committed to identifying those responsible and bringing the case to a resolution.