Man charged with murder in death of 89-year-old Columbus man Wednesday night

COLUMBUS, Ind. - A Bartholomew County man is in custody and preliminarily charged with murder as the Columbus Police Department (CPD) investigates the death of a Columbus man on Wednesday night, July 21.

Officers were called to a duplex in the 1400 block of Pearl Street just after 8:30 p.m. for a welfare check on Jerrell “Jerry” McCullough, who was the landlord of the property. When CPD arrived, they discovered a deceased man inside the half of the duplex that was the residence of Rudy Minton, 49, of Columbus.   

Minton, who is reported to be autistic, was immediately detained. Detectives and crime scene investigators were summoned and worked into the early morning, processing the scene. The Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office identified the dead individual as McCullough, 89, of Columbus.   

Investigators noted possible signs of blunt force trauma, but the cause and manner of death are still under investigation. A forensic autopsy will be conducted.   

The suspect was arrested on the preliminary charge of murder and is being held in the Bartholomew County Jail without bond.   

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to call CPD at 812-376-2600.    

All charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.