Arrest Made in Murder Investigation

July 22nd, 2026

Rudy Minton

One man is in custody for the preliminary charge of murder as the Columbus Police Department investigates the death of an 89-year-old man.

At 8:36 pm on July 21^st, 2026, Columbus Police officers were called to a duplex in the 1400 block of Pearl Street for a welfare check on Jerrell “Jerry” McCullough, who was the landlord of the property. When officers arrived, they spoke to Rudy Minton, 49, who lived in the duplex. While looking into McCullough’s welfare, officers located a deceased person inside of Minton’s residence.

Minton was immediately detained and the scene was secured. Detectives and crime scene investigators were called to the home and worked into the early morning processing the scene. The deceased person was identified by the Bartholomew County Coroner’s Office as Jerrell McCullough, 89 of Columbus. Investigators noted apparent signs of blunt force trauma, but the cause and manner of death are still under investigation. A forensic autopsy will be conducted.

Rudy Minton was arrested for the preliminary charge of murder and is being held in the Bartholomew County Jail without bond.

The team of investigators is working meticulously to uncover the details surrounding Jerrell McCullough’s death. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600.