An Indiana man is facing multiple charges, including murder, after allegedly killing his girlfriend’s stepfather, whom he claimed was a child molester. Brandon Criss, 39, is accused of stabbing 64-year-old James “David” Higar to death and setting his home on fire.
The Crime Scene and Discovery
The investigation began early on Sunday when firefighters responding to a blaze at a home in Linton, located around 90 miles southwest of Indianapolis, discovered the body of James Higar in the bathroom. Higar was found with apparent stab wounds to his neck and shoulder. Authorities also found a dead dog at the scene.
The Arrest of Brandon Criss
According to an arrest affidavit from the Indiana State Police, a witness reported that Criss, who was covered in blood, came to his home earlier that night and showed a picture of a man who appeared to be dead. Criss allegedly bragged about killing Higar and confessed to setting the fire that destroyed Higar’s home.
Further investigation revealed that Higar’s nephew told officers that Criss and his uncle had a history of conflict. Criss had reportedly threatened to harm any family members who visited Higar.
As law enforcement searched for Criss, they received a tip from a woman who reported that Criss had approached her son at a nearby gas station, asking him to take a jacket and knife, stating that he thought he had killed someone.
Criss’ Interview with Authorities
Officers eventually located Criss at the gas station and noted that he was wearing brown boots with red stains. Criss was taken into custody and brought to the Linton Police Department for questioning. During the interview, Criss claimed he had been drinking heavily and argued with his girlfriend before going on a walk. He denied killing Higar, stating that Higar had helped him in the past and was a friend.
However, detectives discovered a photo in the “deleted photos” folder on Criss’ cellphone, which showed the body of Higar lying on the bathroom floor, matching the description of the image Criss had allegedly shown to his friend earlier. When confronted with this evidence, Criss changed his story and claimed the murder was a “hate crime” because Higar was a child molester.
Criss’ Background and Motive
Detectives later spoke with Criss’ girlfriend, who explained that he had been sexually assaulted as a child and harbored a deep hatred for child molesters, despite thinking that Criss and Higar had a close relationship. She added that Criss was not typically violent but could become aggressive when drinking.
Charges and Court Hearing
Criss was arrested and charged with murder, arson, and animal cruelty. He remains in the Greene County Jail without bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for November 5.
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