Teen allegedly beats 71-year-old man found bound in apartment to death

A 19-year-old man from Indiana is charged with allegedly beating a 71-year-old man to death inside his home, tying him up and leaving him to perish — and reportedly telling authorities upon his arrest: "I'm done like fried chicken."

Cameion Brown was arrested and faced charges of murder and auto theft for the death of Darryl Miller, as indicated by court records.

Members of the Gary Police Department arrived on Sunday at Miller's house on Rhode Island Street for a welfare check, following a news release. 

Friends had become concerned after not seeing or hearing from Miller for several days and entered his home, discovering a body wrapped in blankets, prompting them to contact the police, as reported by local CW affiliate WGN.

Brown was taken into custody later that day in Porter County following a short chase, and officials mentioned that the investigation is still active.

An officer entered and found Miller's body on the bedroom floor, wrapped in blankets with duct tape around his feet, based on the court records obtained by the station. 

The room appeared chaotic with an overturned mattress, suggesting a struggle had occurred.

Miller's Honda Accord was not at the house, and according to WGN, a witness informed police that Miller frequently allowed individuals without housing to stay with him. 

Brown was identified by witnesses as someone who had stayed there recently and had been seen shortly before Miller's body was discovered.

The stolen car was later found on Interstate 80/94 in Porter County, with Brown at the wheel, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

When Brown tried to escape from a traffic stop, officers used a PIT maneuver to bring the car to a stop and arrest him.

In questioning, Brown confessed to driving a stolen car and admitted staying with Miller, whom he called "Pops," according to court documents mentioned by the Tribune and WGN.

Brown alleged that the altercation began when Miller "started to touch him inappropriately," leading to a physical fight where Brown knocked him down and hit and kicked him, based on the affidavit. During the assault, when Miller attempted to speak, Brown reportedly replied, "Really."

Authorities stated that Miller endured severe harm, including blunt force trauma to the head and chest, and defensive wounds like a broken jaw, fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and dislocated fingers. The Lake County Coroner's Office classified the death as homicide.

Brown informed police that Miller was "still breathing" when he wrapped him up and tied him, but later revised his statement, saying Miller was already dead, as per court documents.

"I am done like fried chicken," Brown commented in the interview when questioned about fleeing from law enforcement, according to the affidavit.

Witnesses informed police they last saw Miller with Brown a few days earlier, including at church, and became skeptical after getting texts from Brown claiming Miller was "sick" and "quiet for a while," the Tribune revealed. One witness also reported seeing someone who resembled Brown leaving the scene around when the presumed murder took place.

Court records reveal that Brown has multiple ongoing criminal cases, involving charges of battery against a public safety officer, theft, and resisting law enforcement.