Man Allegedly Fatally Stabs Brother Over Rent Dispute and Bullying, Police Report

An Indiana resident is now in custody following accusations that he fatally stabbed his brother during a dispute over rent collection.

Authorities arrested 59-year-old Thomas Campbell on Saturday, charging him with the murder of his younger sibling, 53-year-old Erik Campbell. Court records reviewed by WGN, a Chicago CW affiliate, reveal that Erik had been dispatched by their mother to retrieve a rent payment from Thomas. Witnesses at the scene reported that the disagreement regarding the rent was caught on surveillance video.

According to police, the footage captured an exchange between the brothers, during which Erik urged Thomas to disclose the contents of his hoodie pocket. Despite Thomas’s alleged attempts to intimidate, Erik insisted he was unafraid. Court documents state that Erik made an effort to disarm Thomas and then readied himself for a physical confrontation.

The situation escalated into a physical altercation, with Thomas seen on camera allegedly wielding a knife and repeatedly stabbing Erik in the neck, arm, chest, and stomach.

Court documents indicate that Thomas Campbell himself dialed 911 to report the incident, claiming he acted because Erik had threatened him with a firearm. Upon arrival, police discovered Thomas on the front porch, covered in blood, while Erik lay unresponsive on the ground. No weapon was recovered.

When questioned by detectives, Thomas claimed to have “blacked out” during the incident, asserting that Erik had struck him first. He described his younger brother as a “constant bully,” suggesting that the tension had been simmering for two decades, according to court records.

Detectives spoke to the mother of both men, who told them that Thomas Campbell “does not like to pay rent.”

Thomas Campbell was charged with murder and is being held at the Lake County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 12.