Man known for real estate con killed elderly neighbor: Cops
Share this @internewscast.com

Left: Derek Bollwinkel (Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office). Right: Linda Baran (Dignity Memorial).

An Arizona man with a history of scamming people was arrested after his criminal tendencies allegedly became violent.

Derek Bollwinkel, whose age remains unreported, was detained on June 2 following extradition from Salt Lake City, Utah. Court records shared by KPHO, a CBS affiliate, reveal that Bollwinkel fled Arizona after allegedly murdering his former neighbor, 82-year-old Linda Baran, in February. Authorities stated that Baran was discovered shot to death in her vehicle on Feb. 11, with evidence suggesting she was killed with her hands raised in a gesture of surrender.

Love true crime? Sign up for our newsletter, The Law&Crime Docket, to get the latest real-life crime stories delivered right to your inbox.

As outlined in court documents, Bollwinkel used to live next to Baran until his eviction three weeks before her demise. Investigators mentioned Baran was last seen alive on Feb. 9, and Bollwinkel had been reportedly “insistently requesting money” from her. Witnesses saw his van parked close to her property on the day of her murder.

KPNX, an NBC affiliate, reported that Baran’s body was found following a welfare check requested by her family. When officers reached the scene, they found her in the back seat of her car, which was parked in the garage. Court reports acquired by the station indicated Baran had a lethal gunshot wound on her left side, with authorities concluding her hands were raised in a “surrender” motion at the time she was shot.

A neighbor saw Bollwinkel pull up at about 6:15 p.m. — he was then reportedly seen running away from the home and back to his van at about 7 p.m. He then drove away. Police said that cellphone data put Bollwinkel at the scene.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Shocking Incident: Child Hospitalized After Alleged Abuse During Diaper Change—Police Investigate

Share A troubling incident in Kentucky has led to the arrest of…

Teen and Mother Charged in Fatal Assault on 71-Year-Old Department of Transportation Worker: Police Report

Background: The street where Gregory Turnipseed was attacked (WBAL). Inset: Gregory Turnipseed…

Virginia Football Coach on the Run: Facing Child Sex Abuse Charges and Armed

A Virginia high school football coach, who is facing charges related to…

Shocking Arrest in Gainesville: Man Threatens Dogs and Attempts Break-In

Staff Report Note: This article was updated on November 30 to correct…

Netanyahu Seeks Contentious Corruption Pardon, Declaring It ‘Impossible

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the country’s president to grant…

Adelaide Stabbing Leaves Man in Critical Condition: Police Investigate

A 32-year-old man is in critical condition following an alleged stabbing incident…

Family Dispute Turns Tragic: Brother Fatally Shoots Sibling After Altercation

Left inset: Jerome Curry (St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: Terrence…

Authorities Report: Man Allegedly Killed Girlfriend After Claiming She Was Detained by ICE

Background: The canal in Miami, Forida, where the body of Nerida Martel…

Mother Allegedly Strikes Teenage Daughter Due to ‘Poor Attitude,’ Authorities Report

Background: The 26000 block of SW 135th Ave., Miami, Fla. (Google Maps).…

Probation Violation: Man Arrested with 125 Grams of Marijuana Sparks Legal Controversy

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours today, authorities apprehended…