An Indiana man allegedly shouted “racist and vile language” at a victim before shooting him to death after a drunken bar fight, according to police.
Kaeden Douglas, 21, is accused of murder in the July 17 killing of Jereme Dillingham at the Mucky Duck bar in Indianapolis.
“The allegations contained in the probable cause affidavit state that racist and vile language was used before this fatal shooting and demonstrate how hate and aggression can escalate into a deadly outcome,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement.
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, Douglas had been in the bar for almost three hours when he got “aggressive” and “drunk as f—.” Approximately 1:30 a.m. Douglas allegedly got up and banged a chair before engaging in a pushing struggle with another man. The 28-year-old Dillingham, operating as a peacekeeper, attempted to intercede. Douglas and Dillingham had a “brief exchange” before both men “shook hands and hugged,” according to police.
Douglas then allegedly yelled at bartenders before being ejected from the establishment. Cops allege that while he was being booted out, he screamed, “You all are dead men.” The defendant came back to a patio area and began arguing with a woman, according to the complaint. Cops say he started “talking s—” at her and hit her. She hit him back. Douglas allegedly responded with “b—, I have something for you” before walking to his Dodge Charger.
According to the lawsuit, Douglas proceeded to say “a lot of crazy stuff” as he walked to his car, including racial epithets directed at Dillingham.
Dillingham walked over to Douglas’ car as he started driving away. According to police, video shows Dillingham reaching into Douglas’ car. Douglas allegedly fired a shot from his car, knocking Dillingham to the ground. The suspect sped off.
Witnesses could identify Douglas as the shooter. Cops went to his residence and arrested him. According to authorities, he gave comments that were “not consistent” after the incident. He initially said he couldn’t recall anything from the bar. Then, according to the affidavit, he said that he hadn’t fought since seventh grade.
Douglas told detectives he can “drink like a hog” and had numerous drinks and shots that night. He claimed to be in dread for his life and acted in self-defense, but he couldn’t recall why.
He is still in the Marion County Jail without bond. His next court date is scheduled for September 29.
