A California father of newborn triplets was kidnapped and murdered in what authorities believe was a case of mistaken identity.
Avtar Singh, 57, vanished in February from a Sikh temple in Tracy, about 60 miles east of San Francisco.
Police found his body several days later in a remote area near Lake Berryessa in Napa Valley.
Investigators with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office now believe Singh was mistakenly targeted.
On Wednesday, police identified three men suspected of being involved in his death: Alberto Alencastro, 25, Alfonso Segura, 20, and Barnabe Segura, 22.
The three suspects are from Vallejo and remain at large. A grand jury indicted all three on charges including murder with special circumstances and kidnapping.
Surveillance footage showed three people kidnapping Singh and fleeing in a white SUV. The sheriff’s office said Flock license plate readers helped identify the vehicle, which authorities seized on February 19.
Officers said Singh was not the intended target and was mistakenly kidnapped instead of another person.
About a week after seizing the suspected vehicle, investigators traveled to Canada to interview the man they believe was the intended target.
The unidentified man and his family had reportedly been receiving threats connected to a stolen trailer, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said the stolen trailer gave the three suspects a reason to pursue the man and carry out the murder.
Singh lived with his wife and children on the grounds of a Sikh temple in Tracy.
San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow said investigators promised Singh’s widow “that we will not let this go by without finding these individuals.”
The three suspects face life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Sikh community has offered a $50,000 reward for information that leads to their arrests.
Singh’s family created a fundraiser to “cover funeral expenses and to help provide stability for his wife and children in the months and years ahead.”
Singh reportedly served at the Sikh temple for more than 20 years. His family described him as “known for his humility, quiet dedication, and loving nature that made everyone feel like family.”
“His seva, sincerity, and unwavering faith touched countless lives, and his absence leaves a profound void in our community.”
The Daily Mail reached out to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office for additional information.
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