A man from Arizona, Derek Bollwinkel, was arrested on June 2 after allegedly killing his former neighbor, 82-year-old Linda Baran, earlier this year. Bollwinkel, who had a history of scams and criminal behavior, was taken into custody in Salt Lake City, Utah, and extradited to Arizona to face charges. According to court documents, Bollwinkel shot and killed Baran after a dispute over money, leaving her in a compromising position as if she were surrendering.
The Murder of Linda Baran
Linda Baran, a senior citizen, was found dead in her car on February 11, 2025. Police discovered her body after a welfare check was requested by her family. Baran was located in the back seat of her vehicle, which was parked in her garage. Investigators determined that she had been shot in the left side of her body, with her hands raised in a “surrender” position at the time of the shooting.
Bollwinkel’s Aggressive Behavior and Eviction
Court documents reveal that Bollwinkel had lived next to Baran until he was evicted from the property just weeks before the murder. Before the fatal shooting, Bollwinkel had allegedly been aggressively asking Baran for money, which led to tension between the two.
On the day of Baran’s death, Bollwinkel was seen parking his van near her property and was reportedly seen running away from her house later that evening. A neighbor recalled seeing him near Baran’s home around 6:15 p.m., and again at around 7:00 p.m., just before he fled the scene.
The Aftermath: Credit Card Fraud and Arrest
After the murder, Bollwinkel didn’t waste time. He was caught on surveillance cameras using Baran’s debit card at an ATM about 20 minutes after the shooting. Bollwinkel attempted to withdraw $10,000, successfully getting away with $4,000. This further linked him to the crime, as investigators traced his cellphone data to the crime scene, strengthening the case against him.
Bollwinkel’s past criminal history includes a previous conviction for consumer fraud in connection with a housing scam, alongside his wife. He was also convicted for forgery and criminal impersonation, serving time in prison for these crimes.
The Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Bollwinkel was arrested upon arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport after being extradited from Salt Lake City, where he had fled following the murder. He is now facing serious charges, including first-degree murder, kidnapping, and fraudulent use of a credit card. A Maricopa County judge set his bond at $1 million, and Bollwinkel is currently being held in the county jail as he awaits trial.
The murder of Linda Baran is a tragic example of how violent tendencies can emerge from a long history of criminal behavior. Derek Bollwinkel’s aggressive actions towards his elderly neighbor, followed by the brutal killing and subsequent theft, reflect his pattern of criminal activity. As the investigation continues, the case sheds light on the dangers posed by individuals with a history of scams and fraudulent activities.
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