Son charged with murder after father found dead

Timothy Minix, identified as a person of interest in his father's suspected murder, was arrested Friday at a home in Leiters Ford. 

A welfare check on a man in North Judson Friday led to the arrest of his son on a preliminary charge of murder, according to the Starke County Sheriff's Office. 

At approximately 6:30 p.m. Friday, Starke County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 2600 block of Donna Street in North Judson. The dispatch was in reference to a welfare check on a man who had not been heard from since Tuesday, Dec. 3. 

Upon arrival, deputies discovered a heavy gas odor emitting from inside the residence. The deputies then entered the residence with North Judson Fire Department once it was safe to do so. Upon entering the residence, they discovered a deceased man who was later identified a Landin Minix.  

Starke County Sheriff’s Detectives and Indiana State Police then arrived to process the scene. Once on the scene, they reportedly noticed some discrepancies.  Upon further investigation, detectives were able to obtain more information and identified a person of interest – the victim’s son, later identified as Timothy Minix.

Using several systems, and collaboration with other agencies, detectives were able to identify an address in Fulton County where the subject was possibly at. On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Starke County Sheriff’s Department Strategic Response Team was activated and responded to the 4500 block of Bowen Street in Leiters Ford in Fulton County. The Strategic Response Team then partnered with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, Rochester Police Department and the Culver Police department to approach the residence. 

Officers identified themselves and asked if Timothy was inside the residence. They acknowledged that he was in the bathroom and gave officers permission to enter the residence. Strategic Response Team members entered the bathroom and made contact with Timothy Minix, who was taken into custody without incident.  He was taken to the Starke County Justice Center, where he was interviewed by detectives.  

Timothy Minix was booked on a preliminary charge of murder. Formal charges are to be determined by the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.  

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Culver Police Department, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Rochester Police Department, North Judson Police Department, the Starke County Coroner's Office, and Pit Stop Towing.