A 45-year-old Indiana man has been charged with murder and several other felony offenses after prosecutors say he fatally shot his neighbor and wounded two other men during a confrontation that began after the victim threatened to report an earlier gun incident to police.
Juan Alberto Camarillo was arrested following the shooting and now faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, battery resulting in serious bodily injury, battery with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness, intimidation, as well as firearm enhancement counts. Authorities say he could face more than 135 years in prison if convicted.
Police Responded to Shooting in Gary Neighborhood
According to the Gary Police Department, officers responded to a shooting report on Sunday, July 12, in the 5700 block of West 6th Avenue in Gary, Indiana.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Camarillo being restrained by several bystanders.
Emergency responders also discovered multiple shooting victims, including 34-year-old Frank Haney, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Earlier Confrontation Reportedly Sparked Violence
Investigators later determined that Camarillo had been staying with a relative in the neighborhood because he was homeless.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Haney had earlier encountered Camarillo while walking through the neighborhood.
Authorities allege that during that earlier encounter, Camarillo pulled a handgun on Haney.
Afterward, Haney reportedly informed Camarillo’s relative about what had happened and said he intended to contact the police to report the incident.
Suspect Allegedly Said He Would ‘Handle It Right Now’
Police say the relative confronted Camarillo and informed him that law enforcement would be called regarding the earlier incident.
Investigators allege that Camarillo became angry after hearing this.
According to court documents, he allegedly pulled out a handgun and declared that he was “going to handle it right now.”
Authorities say he then crossed the street toward the Haney family’s residence.
Confrontation Escalated Into Gunfire
Witnesses told investigators that Camarillo approached the home while shouting for Frank Haney to “tell the truth.”
Police allege that Camarillo first fired a shot into the ground before becoming involved in a physical altercation with Haney.
During the confrontation, investigators say Camarillo opened fire.
Witnesses also reported hearing Camarillo threaten the brothers moments before the shooting.
According to witness statements, he allegedly told them:
“I can do something to you right now.”
One Man Killed, Two Others Injured
Authorities said Frank Haney was struck several times on the left side of his body.
He was transported to Methodist Hospital Northlake, where he was pronounced dead at 8:27 p.m.
Haney’s brother was also shot during the incident.
According to investigators, he suffered gunshot wounds to his shoulder and arm but survived.
Police also stated that a third man sustained injuries during the violence, leading to additional attempted murder and battery-related charges against Camarillo.
Ring Doorbell Video Captured Incident
Investigators reviewed footage from a nearby Ring doorbell camera, which reportedly captured much of the confrontation.
According to authorities, the video generally matched witness accounts of the incident.
The footage reportedly showed Haney rushing toward Camarillo in what investigators believe was an attempt to disarm him before the fatal gunfire erupted.
Evidence Recovered at Scene
Crime scene investigators recovered:
- A handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.
- Multiple spent shell casings.
- Five live rounds of ammunition that police say were found inside Camarillo’s pocket after his arrest.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional forensic testing is still underway.
Suspect Claimed He Was Attacked First
While receiving medical treatment inside an ambulance, Camarillo reportedly offered investigators a different version of events.
According to police, he claimed that Frank Haney fired at him first before physically attacking him and striking him with a brick.
However, investigators said they found no evidence supporting those allegations.
Police also stated that Camarillo initially denied ownership of the handgun allegedly used during the shooting.
Charges Filed Against Camarillo
Following the investigation, prosecutors charged Camarillo with:
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated battery
- Battery resulting in serious bodily injury
- A battery with a deadly weapon
- Criminal recklessness
- Intimidation
- Firearm enhancement offenses
If convicted on all charges, prosecutors said Camarillo could face more than 135 years in prison.
Court Proceedings
As of the latest available information, authorities had not announced Camarillo’s next court appearance.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the charges against Juan Alberto Camarillo are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
