Tracy, California – A 57-year-old man abducted from a Sikh temple in Tracy earlier this month was found dead near Lake Berryessa in Napa County, authorities confirmed Monday. Avtar Singh, a beloved member of the local Sikh community and a dedicated volunteer at the Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash, was identified as the victim. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case as a homicide and believes Singh was the target of a mistaken identity kidnapping.
The discovery brings a tragic end to a search that began on February 17th, when Singh was forcibly taken from the temple grounds. According to investigators, three individuals in a white SUV abducted Singh at approximately 2:30 p.m. Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing a struggle as Singh was pushed into the vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office announced the identification of Singh and the discovery of his body on February 23rd, 2026, after a fisherman located the remains near Lake Berryessa.
A Community in Mourning
Avtar Singh was more than just a member of the Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash; he was a cornerstone of the community. For 23 years, he served as the head cook at the temple, preparing meals and providing support to those in necessitate. He lived on the temple grounds with his wife and their three 6-month-old triplets, a family that was celebrated by the community just a month prior to the abduction. “He was a very great cook,” said a member of the temple, as reported by KCRA 3. “But he was not only a cook, he was multi-person. If we need aid with plumbing, we’ll call him. Can you fix the restroom? Plumbing? If we need help with electrical part, we’ll call him. The breaker is broken. Can you fix it?”
Singh’s dedication extended beyond the temple walls. He regularly prepared approximately 400 hot meals each month for a homeless shelter in Stockton and provided food for individuals displaced by wildfires, demonstrating a consistent commitment to service. The loss has left a profound void in the Sikh community and the wider Tracy area. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Singh’s widow and children has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, reflecting the outpouring of grief and support from those whose lives he touched. The GoFundMe page describes Singh as a man known for his “humility, quiet dedication, and loving nature.”
The Investigation and Mistaken Identity
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the homicide, focusing on the possibility that Singh was not the intended target of the kidnapping. Sheriff’s spokesperson Heather Brent stated that investigators believe another individual was the intended target and that Singh was “mistakenly taken.” While the motive remains unclear, this line of inquiry suggests a potentially targeted operation that went tragically wrong. The white SUV used in the abduction was recovered near Lake Berryessa, but authorities have not yet released details about potential suspects.
The circumstances surrounding the abduction are particularly unsettling. According to accounts from temple members, Singh was initially approached by a man who knocked on the temple’s laundry door before approaching Singh directly. Unable to understand the man, Singh contacted another temple resident for translation. A confusing exchange ensued, with the kidnapper seemingly seeking someone with the same first name as the translator, leading to the mistaken abduction of Singh. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Singh attempting to escape the vehicle before being overpowered and forced inside by multiple assailants.
Timeline of Events
- February 17, 2026: Avtar Singh is abducted from the Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash in Tracy at approximately 2:30 p.m.
- February 17, 2026: Singh’s wife reports him missing after returning home to identify their three 6-month-old triplets unattended.
- February 23, 2026: The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office identifies Singh and announces the discovery of his body near Lake Berryessa.
The delay in discovering Singh’s body – more than six hours passed between the abduction and the report to authorities – has raised questions about the temple’s security protocols. Temple staffers were reportedly inside due to rain at the time of the abduction, contributing to the delay in noticing Singh’s disappearance.
Impact and Ongoing Concerns
The death of Avtar Singh has sent shockwaves through the Sikh community, raising concerns about safety and security at places of worship. The Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash serves as a vital center for religious and community life, and the violation of its sanctity has left many feeling vulnerable. The incident underscores the importance of heightened vigilance and security measures at religious institutions, particularly in light of increasing concerns about hate crimes and targeted violence.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the abduction or the identity of the suspects to reach forward. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has not released details about the cause of death, pending the completion of an autopsy. The focus remains on identifying the intended target of the kidnapping and bringing those responsible for Singh’s death to justice.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community solidarity. The outpouring of support for Singh’s family demonstrates the enduring power of compassion and the unwavering spirit of the Sikh community. As the investigation continues, the hope is that justice will be served and that measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and follow leads in this case. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has not announced any arrests as of February 25, 2026. Updates will be provided as they become available.
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