Charges filed against Columbus man accused of murdering landlord during his eviction

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — The Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office has announced formal charges have been filed against a man accused of murdering his landlord during eviction proceedings.

News 8 previously reported the Columbus Police Department officers responded to a welfare check at a home in the 1400 block of Pearl Street around 8:40 p.m. July 21.

The son of the property’s landlord, 89-year-old Jerrell “Jerry” McCullough, had contacted police saying he’d been unable to get in touch with his dad. McCullough was in the process of evicting the property’s tenant – Rudy Minton.

Another witness contacted police regarding the 49-year-old Minton, according to a probable cause affidavit. The witness “indicated to dispatch she believed her friend did something to the landlord and wanted the landlord checked on.”

Upon arrival, police spoke with Minton, who immediately informed officers that he “drank bleach.” Inside the home, officers found McCullough’s body in a trash can.

At some point during the investigation, police say officers learned of a Facebook post Minton made shortly after the welfare check calls came in. The post read: “Look everybody I’m sorry you’ll find out soon enough.”

Court documents say when detectives spoke with Minton at the hospital, they noted finding blood on his glasses, as well as several bruises, scratches, and marks “indicative of a struggle.”

Minton reportedly made “multiple utterances” to police while in custody, including telling an officer at the scene, “I just thought I could pull it off, I’m sorry.”

Detectives say Minton confirmed McCullough’s body was inside the home; when investigators tested his hands for gunshot residue, Minton apparently said, “There was no gun involved.”

The affidavit also noted a comment made by Minton during his transport to jail, where he said, “Sometimes not despicable people do despicable things.”

“If you pray, please pray for me,” Minton told police.

Court records show Minton will appear in court Wednesday for a hearing.

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