Arrest warrant issued for ex-husband of 28-year-old woman wanted found dead in Brampton

Police have issued an arrest warrant for the ex-husband of 28-year-old Heeral Patel, who was found dead in a wooded area in Brampton Monday.

Peel Regional Police are searching for Rakeshbhai Patel, 36, wanted for first-degree murder in connection with Patel's death.

He is believed to be travelling in a 2009, four-door, silver Honda Civic, with an Ontario license plate that reads CDMP042.

"Investigators are encouraging him to contact a lawyer and arrange to turn himself in," police said in a news release Thursday afternoon.

Patel's body was found Monday evening after she was reported missing last weekend. She was last seen at about 11 p.m. Saturday near Islington and Steeles avenues.

Peel Regional Police
Peel Regional Police

Body found Monday evening

Toronto police had set up a command post on Monday to help co-ordinate the search for Patel.

That evening, her body was found in a wooded area in Brampton near Nexus Avenue and Fogal Road. On Thursday morning, they confirmed it was Patel.

Const. Danny Marttini, a media officer for Peel Regional Police, said the initial investigation led police to seek out her ex-husband.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Even if someone had a conversation with Patel that might be relevant, Marttini said, "share that information."