Inset: Juan Alberto Camarillo (Lake County Prosecutor’s Office). Background: The area in Illinois where Camarillo allegedly killed his neighbor (Google Maps).
A 45-year-old Indiana man is accused of killing his neighbor, allegedly shooting the 34-year-old victim after 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 Frank Haney, authorities announced.
Camarillo is also accused of shooting and injuring two other men, including Haney’s brother.
According to a news release from the Gary Police Department, officers responded to the 5700 block of West 6th Avenue on Sunday, July 12, regarding a report of a shooting. Upon arriving, first responders found a man, later identified as Camarillo, being restrained by bystanders.
Police provided additional details about the incident in a probable cause affidavit obtained by Chicago CW affiliate WGN.
Investigators reportedly discovered that Camarillo had been staying with a relative in the neighborhood because he was homeless. Shortly before the shooting, Haney informed the 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 police 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, yelling for Frank Haney to “tell the truth.” After firing a shot into the ground, Camarillo allegedly began fighting with Haney before opening fire.
Witnesses told investigators Camarillo threatened the brothers moments before the shooting, allegedly saying, “I can do something to you right now,” according to a report from The Times of Northwest Indiana.
Frank Haney was struck multiple times in his left side. He was transported to the Methodist Hospital Northlake emergency room and pronounced dead at 8:27 p.m., the Chicago Tribune reported. His brother was reportedly shot in the shoulder and arm but survived.
Investigators also reviewed Ring doorbell footage that reportedly 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 reportedly 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.
Camarillo also initially claimed that the firearm used in the shooting was not his.
Prosecutors said Camarillo faces more than 135 years in prison if convicted. It was not immediately clear when he was scheduled to appear in court.
