A 45-year-old Indiana man has been charged with murder in the killing of his neighbor after allegedly becoming enraged that police were going to be called over an earlier confrontation that also involved a gun, authorities said.
Juan Alberto Camarillo was taken into custody over the weekend and charged with one count each of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, battery resulting in serious bodily injury, battery with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness, intimidation and firearm enhancement counts in connection with the slaying of 34-year-old Frank Haney, authorities announced.
Background
According to investigators, Camarillo had been staying with a relative in Gary, Indiana because he was homeless. Shortly before the shooting on July 12, Haney informed that relative that Camarillo had pulled a gun on him while Haney was walking through the neighborhood and planned to report the incident to police.
When the relative confronted Camarillo and told him authorities were going to be called, he allegedly became angry, pulled out a handgun and declared he was "going to handle it right now."
He then reportedly walked across the street toward the Haney family's home on the 5700 block of West 6th Avenue, yelling for Frank Haney to "tell the truth." After firing a shot into the ground, Camarillo allegedly began fighting with Haney before opening fire.
The Investigation
Witnesses told investigators that Camarillo had threatened the brothers moments before the shooting, allegedly saying, "I can do something to you right now," according to The Times of Northwest Indiana.
Frank Haney was struck multiple times in his left side. He was transported to Methodist Hospital Northlake emergency room and pronounced dead at 8:27 p.m., the Chicago Tribune reported. His brother was shot in the shoulder and arm but survived.
Investigators reviewed Ring doorbell footage that captured the confrontation. The video generally corroborated witness accounts and appeared to show Haney charging at Camarillo in an apparent attempt to disarm him before the fatal shots were fired, WGN reported.
Police recovered a handgun at the scene along with spent shell casings and found five live rounds of ammunition in Camarillo's pocket. While being treated in an ambulance, Camarillo allegedly claimed Haney shot at him first before beating him and striking him with a brick. However, investigators found no evidence supporting those claims. He also initially claimed that the firearm used was not his.
Key Takeaways
- Juan Alberto Camarillo, 45, has been charged with murder and multiple other counts in connection with Frank Haney's death
- Authorities say Camarillo learned Haney planned to report an earlier confrontation where Camarillo allegedly pulled a gun on him
- After being told police would be called, Camarillo allegedly said he was "going to handle it right now" before the shooting
- Ring doorbell footage showed Haney apparently attempting to disarm Camarillo before being fatally shot
- Haney's brother survived after being shot in the shoulder and arm
What's Next
Camarillo remains in custody. Prosecutors have indicated he faces more than 135 years in prison if convicted on all charges. His next court appearance had not yet been scheduled at time of publication, according to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office.