An Indiana man now faces serious charges following a tragic family altercation that ended in the death of his brother. Thomas Campbell, aged 59, has been detained and charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his younger sibling, Erik Campbell, who was 53, during a heated dispute over rent collection.

The incident unfolded on a Saturday when Erik Campbell, acting on behalf of their mother, approached Thomas to collect rent. This routine task quickly escalated into a confrontation, captured by surveillance cameras, as reported by WGN, a Chicago-based CW affiliate. The video footage reveals a tense exchange between the brothers, with Erik urging Thomas to disclose the contents of his hoodie pocket. Despite Thomas’s intimidating demeanor, Erik asserted he was unafraid and attempted to disarm him, preparing to defend himself with his fists if necessary.

The situation deteriorated further as the argument turned physical. Thomas Campbell was seen on the footage wielding a knife, which he allegedly used to stab Erik multiple times, targeting his neck, arm, chest, and stomach.

In a surprising turn, court documents reveal that it was Thomas Campbell who dialed 911, claiming he had acted in self-defense after Erik supposedly threatened him with a gun. However, responding officers found Thomas on a blood-soaked porch and Erik lying unresponsive on the ground, with no firearm present at the scene.

According to court documents, Thomas Campbell was the one who called 911 to report that he allegedly stabbed his brother because the latter threatened him with a gun. Police found Thomas Campbell sitting on the front porch of a residence, covered in blood, while Erik Campbell lay unresponsive, face down on the ground. No gun was found.

When police detectives caught up with Thomas Campbell, he told them that he “blacked out,” and that Erik Campbell allegedly punched him first. Thomas Campbell told law enforcement that his younger brother “constantly bullied him,” according to court documents, and the alleged confrontation had been building up for the past 20 years.

Detectives spoke to the mother of both men, who told them that Thomas Campbell “does not like to pay rent.”

Thomas Campbell was charged with murder and is being held at the Lake County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 12.