Inset: Cameion Brown (Gary Police Dept.). Background: The Indiana street where Brown allegedly killed a 71-year-old man (Google Maps).
An Indiana teenager, aged 19, is facing charges after allegedly beating a 71-year-old man to death in his home. The young man is accused of binding the victim and abandoning him to die. Following his arrest, he reportedly told police, “I’m done like fried chicken.”
Cameion Brown has been apprehended and is facing charges of murder and auto theft in connection with the death of Darryl Miller, as indicated by court documents.
The Gary Police Department received a call on Sunday requesting a welfare check at Miller’s residence, located in the 2200 block of Rhode Island Street. According to a news release, officers were called after friends reported not hearing from Miller for days. When they entered the home, they found a body wrapped in blankets and immediately contacted the police, as reported by local CW affiliate WGN reported.
Later that day, authorities apprehended Brown in Porter County following a brief chase. The investigation is still ongoing, according to officials.
Upon entering the residence, an officer found Miller’s body on the bedroom floor, covered in blankets with his feet bound by duct tape, based on court records referenced by the news station. The room showed signs of a struggle, including a mattress turned upside down.
Miller’s Honda Accord was missing, and a witness informed the police that Miller frequently let individuals without homes stay with him. The witness identified Brown as one of the recent occupants and reported seeing him just before the body was discovered.
Officers later located the stolen vehicle on Interstate 80/94 in Porter County, where Brown was driving, according to the Chicago Tribune. Brown fled from a traffic stop before police used a PIT maneuver to bring the vehicle to a halt and take him into custody.
During questioning, Brown told investigators he ran because he was driving a stolen car and admitted he had been staying with Miller, whom he referred to as “Pops,” according to court documents cited by the Tribune and WGN.
Brown claimed the violence began after Miller “started to touch him inappropriately,” leading to a physical fight in which he knocked the older man to the ground and punched and kicked him, according to the affidavit. When Miller spoke to him during the assault, Brown allegedly responded, “Really.”
Investigators said Miller suffered extensive injuries, including blunt force trauma to the head and torso, along with defensive wounds such as a broken jaw, fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and dislocated fingers. The Lake County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide.
Brown told police Miller was “still breathing” when he wrapped him in blankets and bound him, though he later changed his account and said Miller was already dead, according to court records.
“I am done like fried chicken,” Brown said during the interview when asked why he fled from officers, according to the affidavit.
Witnesses told police they last saw Miller with Brown days earlier, including at church, and grew suspicious after receiving messages from Brown claiming Miller was “sick” and “quiet for a while,” the Tribune reported. Another witness reported seeing someone matching Brown’s description leaving the home around the time investigators believe the killing occurred.
Court records show Brown has multiple pending criminal cases, including charges related to battery against a public safety official, theft, and resisting law enforcement.
He remains in custody following his arrest, and his initial hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
