CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) – A 24-year-old Hammond man has been charged with murder in the beating death of his 29-year-old neighbor.
The Post-Tribune of Merrillville and The Times of Munster report that police say in a probable cause affidavit that Andrew Decrescenzo told them he killed Robert Swafford while trying to steal prescription drugs. Police say Decrescenzo struck Swafford with a bat after Swafford tried to hit him with a hammer.
Court records do not indicate Decrescenzo has been assigned a public defender.
The probable cause affidavit states Decrescenzo told police he later returned to the home to break windows, spray paint and damage Swafford's vehicle tires to make it look like his death was gang-related.
Decrescenzo is being held without bond in the Lake County Jail. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
