A Florida resident, Dustin McMillian, aged 33, has been apprehended in relation to the death of another individual in Hernando County on Monday, as confirmed by authorities.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office has charged McMillian with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Deputies responded to a well-being check at a residence on Elkin Avenue in Spring Hill shortly before 7 p.m., prompted by a 911 call from a concerned family member.
The caller indicated the possibility that a man named Dakota Croft had killed William Trudell.
Upon the deputies’ arrival to apprehend Dakota Croft, Dustin McMillan answered the door.
Although McMillan eventually allowed entry, asserting that Croft was not present, he purportedly secured the door to impede the deputies from further access.
Following a thorough search, Croft’s lifeless body was found in the backyard, suspended from a tree.
Subsequently, deputies identified a trail of drag marks connecting Trudell’s remains, located in a nearby wooded area, to the side garage door of the residence.
As per the sheriff’s office, McMillan disclosed to authorities that he and Croft, under the influence of alcohol, devised a plan to assault Trudell.
Reports indicate that McMillan conveyed their resentment towards Trudell for being a ‘cop caller’ and allegedly disrespecting women in the household.
McMillan asserted that, upon Trudell’s entry into the garage, he and Croft ambushed and killed him.
After purging the garage and attempting to eliminate any traces of evidence, McMillan and Croft are accused of relocating Trudell’s body to the wooded area where it was subsequently found.
Florida DOC’s Oversight in Trudell’s Case
The Florida Department of Corrections held responsibility for Croft during Trudell’s demise, but authorities found his tether in the backyard as he had removed it.
Subsequently, Croft and McMillan, as per police statements, made efforts to eliminate evidence shortly after deactivating the monitor.
They later asserted that Croft had hanged himself.
McMillan has been apprehended on charges of first-degree murder and evidence tampering.
He is currently detained without bail at the Hernando County Detention Center.
For individuals with information on this case, anonymity is assured by contacting Hernando County Crime Stoppers. The contact number is 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.