After they attacked and killed a man for being a “cop caller” and disrespecting women, one suspect reportedly hanged himself, and another is behind bars.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, January 15, just before 7 p.m., deputies were called to a residence on Elkin Avenue to check on William Trudell’s welfare. A family member allegedly reported William Croft’s murder of Trudell to the sheriff’s office.
When deputies arrived at the house to look for Croft, Dustin McMillan was there to answer the door. Though he eventually let them in and claimed Croft wasn’t home, he allegedly locked the door to prevent deputies from entering.
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A deputy from the sheriff’s office found Croft dead in the backyard, “hanging from a tree.”
After conducting a more thorough search, the deputies discovered a drag-mark trail that connected Trudell’s body in a neighboring wooded lot to the side garage door of the house.
The sheriff’s office claims that McMillan told authorities that he and Croft had been drinking when they “devised a plan to attack Trudell.” According to reports, McMillan expressed his and Croft’s ire towards Trudell “for being a ‘cop caller’ and disrespecting women in the home.”
Trudell went into the garage, and McMillan claimed that he and Croft “ambushed him and killed him.” Shortly after, a family member discovered the body and quickly left the house, according to the sheriff’s office.
After cleaning the garage and attempting to remove any evidence, McMillan and Croft are accused of carrying Trudell’s body to the wooded area where he was discovered.
The Florida Department of Corrections was in charge of Croft at the time of Trudell’s death, but authorities discovered his tether in the backyard because he had taken it off.
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Croft and McMillan attempted to destroy the evidence, according to the police, not long after turning off the monitor. They then claimed that Croft had hanged himself.
McMillan was taken into custody on a single charge of first-degree murder and evidence tampering. He was placed under arrest and is still being held without bond at the Hernando County Detention Center.
If you have information on this case, please contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers. You will remain anonymous!
Hernando County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.
You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com .
You will remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash!
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