An elderly man was discovered bound and beaten inside his Gary home after days without contact, leading to the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect who allegedly fled in the victim’s car before being stopped on a highway.
GARY, IN – A 19-year-old man is facing murder and auto theft charges after authorities say a 71-year-old man was found dead inside his residence, wrapped in blankets with his feet bound, following a welfare check requested by concerned friends. The discovery was made Sunday at a home in the 2200 block of Rhode Island Street after acquaintances reported they had not heard from the victim, identified as Darryl Miller, for several days.
Friends who entered the residence found the body and alerted police. Inside, officers located Miller on a bedroom floor, wrapped in blankets with duct tape around his feet. Court documents indicate the room showed signs of a struggle, including a flipped mattress.
Investigation and arrest
Authorities determined Miller’s Honda Accord was missing from the home. A witness told investigators that Miller often allowed individuals without housing to stay with him and identified the suspect, Cameion Brown, as someone who had been staying at the residence and was seen there shortly before the body was discovered.
Later that day, officers located the missing vehicle on Interstate 80/94 in Porter County, where Brown was driving. According to reports, Brown fled during a traffic stop before police used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle and take him into custody.
During questioning, Brown admitted he had been staying with Miller, whom he referred to as “Pops,” and said he fled because he was driving a stolen car. “I am done like fried chicken,” Brown told investigators when asked why he ran, according to court records.
Details from court documents
Investigators said Brown told them the confrontation began after Miller “started to touch him inappropriately,” leading to a violent altercation. Brown allegedly said he knocked Miller to the ground and punched and kicked him during the assault. When Miller spoke during the attack, Brown allegedly responded, “Really.”
Authorities reported Miller suffered extensive injuries, including blunt force trauma to the head and torso, a broken jaw, fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and dislocated fingers. The Lake County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide.
According to court records, Brown initially told investigators Miller was “still breathing” when he wrapped him in blankets and bound him, but later said the victim was already dead.
Witness accounts and court status
Witnesses told police they last saw Miller with Brown days earlier, including at church, and became concerned after receiving messages from Brown stating Miller was “sick” and “quiet for a while.” Another witness reported seeing someone matching Brown’s description leaving the home around the estimated time of the killing.
Court records show Brown has multiple pending cases, including charges involving battery against a public safety official, theft, and resisting law enforcement. He remains in custody, and his initial hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
Gary Indiana homicide, Cameion Brown arrest, Darryl Miller death, Indiana murder case, Porter County police pursuit