LINTON, IN – A man from Linton, Indiana, has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of his girlfriend’s stepfather, whom he accused of being a child molester. The gruesome incident unfolded over the weekend, shocking the local community.
Police discovered the body of 64-year-old James “David” Higar in the bathroom of his burning home early Sunday morning. He had suffered from multiple stab wounds to his neck and shoulder. A dog was also found dead at the scene, indicating the brutal nature of the attack.
According to investigators, a witness reported that 39-year-old Brandon Criss arrived at his house covered in blood and boasting about killing Higar. Criss allegedly showed the witness a photograph of Higar lying injured and unclothed on a bathroom floor. Furthermore, Criss purportedly admitted to starting the fire that engulfed Higar’s residence.
The tension between Criss and Higar wasn’t new. Higar’s nephew informed the authorities that there had been ongoing hostility between the two men. Criss had previously issued threats against Higar’s family, which heightened concerns among relatives.
As the search for Criss progressed, a local woman informed dispatchers that Criss had approached her son at a gas station. He purportedly handed over his Carhartt jacket and a knife, expressing fear that he had killed someone.
Officers located Criss at the gas station, noting visible bloodstains on his boots. During questioning, Criss initially claimed ignorance about the incident, suggesting that he was being incriminated by others and expressing disbelief at his arrest.
However, a critical piece of evidence linked Criss to the crime. Authorities discovered a photo on his cellphone, found in the deleted images folder, matching the description of the photograph he allegedly showed his acquaintance—depicting Higar’s lifeless body.
Confronted with this evidence, Criss altered his account, labeling the act as a “hate crime” against Higar, whom he accused of being a child molester. Despite his claims, there was no immediate evidence provided to support these allegations against Higar.
Criss’s girlfriend told detectives that he had been a victim of sexual abuse in his youth, which contributed to his disdain for child molesters. She added that while he was usually nonviolent, alcohol consumption could trigger aggressive behavior.
Criss now faces charges of murder, arson, and animal cruelty. He is being held without bond in Greene County Jail, with his next court hearing slated for November 5.