Columbus, USA: Nearly four years after the tragic loss of Amit Patel, the owner of a gas station in Columbus, the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office has announced a reward of up to $15,000 for information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Patel, 45, was gunned down outside the Synovus Bank branch on Buena Vista Road on the morning of December 6, 2021, in what authorities have described as a deliberate robbery.

Investigators reported that Patel had arrived at the bank to make a business deposit when a stolen Toyota Tacoma, lacking a license plate, drove into the parking lot. One of the suspects exited the vehicle, confronted Patel, and opened fire, taking the deposit bag before fleeing. The stolen truck then sped off. The incident occurred directly outside the bank, which at that time shared a building with the east precinct of the Columbus Police Department.

Officials believe the perpetrators may have been aware of Patel’s routine of depositing his business earnings on Mondays. Back in 2021, Patel’s business partner told local news outlets that Patel typically brought weekend proceeds to the bank at the start of the week—a pattern that may have been observed by the suspects prior to the crime.

The shooting deeply impacted the East Columbus community and left Patel’s family devastated. He was remembered by friends and neighbors as a diligent business owner, a devoted husband, and a caring father to his young daughter.

Although the Columbus Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI have conducted a thorough investigation, no suspects have yet been apprehended. With the new reward offer, federal authorities aim to uncover fresh leads in the case.