One suspect reportedly committed suicide, while another is currently in custody following their alleged involvement in an attack that resulted in the death of a man. The motive behind the attack was said to be the victim’s reputation as a “cop caller” and perceived disrespect towards women.
According to a press release from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office on January 15, deputies were called to perform a welfare check on William Trudell at a residence on Elkin Avenue. A family member had contacted the sheriff’s office, claiming that William Croft had killed Trudell.
Upon arriving at the home, deputies encountered Dustin McMillan, who initially resisted their entry by locking the door. Eventually allowing them in, McMillan informed deputies that Croft was not present. However, a deputy who ventured into the backyard discovered Croft’s lifeless body hanging from a tree.
Further investigation revealed drag marks leading from the side garage door to Trudell’s body in a nearby wooded area.
McMillan reportedly confessed to authorities that he and Croft, under the influence of alcohol, had concocted a plan to attack Trudell. Their motivation was allegedly rooted in Trudell being labeled a “cop caller” and accused of disrespecting women in the home.
According to McMillan, they ambushed Trudell in the garage and subsequently killed him. A family member, discovering the body, promptly left the premises.
McMillan and Croft purportedly moved Trudell’s body to the wooded area, cleaned the garage, and attempted to eliminate evidence. At the time of Trudell’s death, Croft was reportedly under the supervision of the Florida Department of Corrections but had removed his monitoring device, which was found in the backyard.
Authorities claim that after cutting off the monitor, Croft and McMillan endeavored to dispose of evidence before Croft took his own life by hanging.
McMillan has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He is currently held without bond at the Hernando County Detention Center.
