A man with a history of rent payment issues has been arrested for allegedly killing his brother in a violent stabbing incident during a rent collection visit. Thomas Campbell, aged 59, was taken into custody and charged with murder after the death of his brother, Erik Campbell, aged 53, in Gary, Indiana. The altercation between the siblings escalated into a physical confrontation, leading to Thomas using a knife to repeatedly stab Erik. Surveillance footage captured the heated argument over the rent payment, with Erik confronting Thomas about non-payment and Thomas eventually resorting to violence.
Erik, while trying to disarm his brother, was fatally wounded by multiple stabbings to various parts of his body. Despite Thomas calling 911 for help, Erik succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. Police did not find a gun at the scene, contradicting Thomas’ initial claim that he acted in self-defense against a perceived threat. Witnesses corroborated the sequence of events, confirming the stabbing in the front yard and the recovery of a bloodied knife nearby.
Thomas claimed that he blacked out during the altercation and accused his brother of long-term bullying. Detectives revealed that the brothers’ issues, particularly regarding rent payment, had been ongoing for two decades. Thomas has been charged with murder and is currently detained at Lake County Jail without bond. His court appearance is scheduled for January 12, where he could face a maximum sentence of 65 years if convicted.