NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Napa County, CA, February 25, 2026: Days after a Tracy father of three infant triplets was abducted and later found dead, the San Joaquin County Sheriff said Monday that investigators believe he was not the intended target in the kidnapping and homicide.
Authorities previously confirmed that a body found Friday afternoon near Lake Berryessa was Avtar Singh, 38, of Tracy. The discovery came several days after Singh was reported missing.
San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said surveillance video shows Singh being forced into a white SUV near Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash along West Grant Line Road at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. Withrow said Singh appeared to resist but was overpowered by three abductors.
“This was not a random act,” Withrow said. “They were targeted after another individual for a specific reason and we’re hoping that reason comes to the light.”
Singh was reported missing Tuesday at 8:52 p.m. Temple leaders told KCRA 3 that Singh’s wife realized he was gone after returning home from work and finding their three small children alone.
“The kids were alone. God’s blessing. They were safe, but they were alone,” said Deep Singh, temple secretary and spokesperson.
Deputies with the Napa County Sheriff’s Office located a body Friday afternoon near Lake Berryessa, approximately a two-hour drive from Tracy. Officials later confirmed the body was Singh’s. Authorities have not released additional details about suspects or a motive.
Singh was a longtime volunteer at the gurdwara, where he served as a sevadar for more than two decades. His duties included assisting in the langar kitchen and supporting daily operations at the temple.
“This is a tragedy, but an ongoing investigation,” Withrow said.
The homicide investigation remains active. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
