Authorities are asking for the public’s help as they continue to search for the person responsible for killing the owner of a Neptune City convenience store owner during a robbery more than 28 years ago.
Smita Amin Patel was stabbed to death inside her business — the Little Brown Jug — on Route 33 in Neptune City shortly before 10 a.m. on March 22, 1996, authorities said at the time. She was able to call 911 before she died from multiple, deep stab wounds of the neck and chest, authorities said.
The attacker fled with cash and lottery ticket, and her body was found by a customer, authorities said shortly after the killing.
The 35-year-old Tinton Falls resident and her then 41-year-old husband owned the grocery and convenience store, which is in the Gables Shopping Center across the street from what is now called Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The convenience store is still in business.
In addition to her husband, Patel was survived by a then 4-year-old son, according to media accounts from 1996. Both her husband and son were in India at the time of the killing, prosecutors said at the time.
A $5,000 reward is being offered by the Monmouth County Crimestoppers.
“This was an unspeakable tragedy that claimed the life of a Neptune City business owner, and it is imperative that we remind Mrs. Patel’s loved ones that she has not been forgotten,” Neptune City Police Chief Matthew J. Quagliato said in a statement released Thursday. “Just because a case is considered cold does not mean that we consider it hopeless. Every victim deserves justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Sergeant Christopher Guy at 800-533-7443 or Neptune City Detective James VanEtten at 732-455-0117.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling the confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com
