Columbus landlord killed; tenant facing murder charge

A Columbus man is under arrest as police investigate the death of his 89-year-old landlord.

According to the Columbus Police Department, officers were called to a home in the 1400 block of Pearl Street at 8:36 p.m. on Tuesday evening to look into the welfare of Jerrell “Jerry” McCullough, the landlord of the duplex.

Officers first spoke with 49-year-old Ruby Minton who lived at the home. That’s when they discovered McCullough’s body. He appeared to have died from blunt force trauma.

The scene was secured, Minton was detained and the detectives and crime scene investigators were called in.

The Bartholomew County Coroner’s office confirmed McCullough’s identity and a forensic autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of his death.

Minton has been arrested on a preliminary charge of murder.

Police ask that if you have any information into the incident that you contact the department at 812-376-2600.