Mistaken identity? The 57-year-old Gurudwara chef kidnapped and murdered was not the intended target

Avtaar Singh, a 57-year-old Sikh temple volunteer, was kidnapped and killed in California earlier this month, authorities said. He was found dead days after he was reported missing.Shockingly, officials have now confirmed that Singh was not the intended target of the kidnapping that led to his death.San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow told local media that Singer was not the intended target of the kidnapping and homicide.“This was not a random act,” Willow said. “They were targeted by another individual for a specific reason, and we hope that reason will come to light.” Authorities have not released further details about Singer’s motive or how he ended up in Napa County.Singh, a long-time attendant and cook at the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash complex in Tracey, was reported missing on the afternoon of February 17 after he was abducted from the temple premises. Surveillance video reviewed by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office showed Singer with a white SUV and three people wearing dark clothing, and he appeared to be inside the vehicle against his will. Later that night, his wife called authorities when he didn’t come home. The couple’s six-month-old triplets were found alone in their residence inside the temple complex, according to KTVU. Singer’s body was found three days later near Lake Berryessa in Napa County, nearly 100 miles and about a two-hour drive from Tracy. The vehicle involved is believed to be at the scene. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the development on Monday, “It is with deep sadness that we confirm that kidnapping victim Avtar Singh has died. Our detectives are working tirelessly to investigate this case and identify those responsible for this horrific act. “San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Freitas addressed the gurdwara congregation and called Singer an innocent victim. “He takes no responsibility for the evil that happened to him,” Freitas said, urging anyone with information to come forward and stressing that “someone saw something, someone knows something.”Singh is well known in the Sikh community for his service and humility. He served for many years in institutions associated with Damdami Taksal, including residing at Sri Tracy’s residence and serving as a cook. Community members describe him as reliable and selfless, someone who can be trusted to fix anything around the property. A fundraiser organized to support his family said he was known for his “humility, quiet devotion and loving nature that made everyone feel like family”, adding that his absence left a deep void.His funeral is planned to be held at Frye Memorial Church, followed by prayer and a community meal at the Visitor’s House. Investigators continue to investigate the circumstances of the kidnapping and killing and are urging anyone with information to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.