Inset: Kaeden Douglas (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department). Background: Mucky Duck bar in Indianapolis, Indiana (Google Maps).
An Indiana man allegedly spewed “racist and vile language” at a victim before shooting him to death during a drunken bar fracas, cops said.
Kaeden Douglas, 21, stands accused of murder in the July 17 death of Jereme Dillingham at the Mucky Duck bar in Indianapolis.
“The allegations in the probable cause affidavit detail the use of racist and offensive language preceding this fatal shooting,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears stated, highlighting how hate and aggression can escalate into deadly outcomes.
Per a probable cause arrest affidavit, Douglas had been at the bar for approximately three hours when he became “aggressive” and “drunk as f—.” Around 1:30 a.m., Douglas reportedly stood up and slammed a chair, initiating a shoving match with another man. At that point, the 28-year-old Dillingham, acting as a mediator, attempted to intervene. After a “brief exchange,” Douglas and Dillingham “shook hands and hugged,” according to the police report.
Subsequently, Douglas allegedly targeted the bar staff with his ire, leading to the bouncers ejecting him from the premises. Upon being expelled, he allegedly threatened, “you all are dead men.” The suspect proceeded to a patio area, where he began arguing with a woman, as noted in the complaint. He allegedly started “talking s—” to her and slapped her. When she retaliated, Douglas purportedly responded with “b—, I have something for you” and headed towards his Dodge Charger.
Per the complaint, Douglas continued to talk “a lot of crazy stuff” while he walked to his car and repeated racial epithets at Dillingham.
At this point, Dillingham walked over to Douglas’ car as he began to drive away. According to cops, video showed Dillingham reach into Douglas’ car. Douglas allegedly fired a shot from his car into Dillingham, who fell to the ground. The suspect sped away.
Witnesses were able to identify Douglas as the shooter. Cops went to his home, where they arrested him. Post-Miranda, he made statements that were “not consistent,” police noted. At first, he said he did not remember anything at the bar. Then he claimed he had not been in a fight since the seventh grade, per the affidavit.
Douglas told cops he can “drink like a hog” and had several drinks and shots throughout the night. He claimed to be in fear of his life and acted in self-defense, but said he could not remember why he felt that way.
He remains at the Marion County Jail without bond. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 29.
