Man charged with rape, murder in health care center investigation
An worker at Homestead Health care Center reported they saw Dwayne Freeman keeping a pillow on Patricia Newnum’s encounter on Feb. 2.
INDIANAPOLIS — A man is dealing with felony costs of rape and murder in the death of an 80-12 months-outdated woman at an Indianapolis health treatment middle previous 7 days.
Prosecutors billed 60-calendar year-previous Dwayne Freeman with two counts of murder and two counts of rape in the demise of Patricia Newnum.
Freeman was silent as jail deputies walked him to courtroom Wednesday morning. He also remained silent in the courtroom, apart from for answering thoughts from the judge.
The choose entered an automated not guilty plea for Freeman. The decide also questioned Freeman if he had a job. Freeman said he didn’t, so the choose appointed a general public defender to signify him.
Newnum died Feb. 2 at the Homestead Health care Heart, a “skilled care and rehabilitation centre” on Madison Avenue on the south facet.
Police have been named to the facility all-around 5:30 a.m. and officers established Newnum’s loss of life to be suspicious. The coroner’s workplace afterwards identified she died by asphyxiation by smothering.
In accordance to court files, an employee entered Newnum’s place to give her medication when she noticed Freeman, a different resident of the facility, lying on top rated of the target, holding a pillow around her face and showing up to be having sex with her.
Workforce reportedly identified Freeman in his room, where by they also identified an vacant bottle of alcoholic beverages and could smell liquor on Freeman’s breath.
Associated: IMPD: Resident arrested in killing of female at south facet health care middle
Freeman explained to law enforcement he had been in Newnum’s space, but that “she was previously lifeless” when he was there. He instructed investigators he handed by the victim’s place and went in simply because he listened to her inquiring for assistance, but denied possessing been on leading of Newnum.
Inevitably, courtroom files say Freeman eventually admitted to obtaining intercourse with Newnum, but mentioned it was consensual and denied placing a pillow on her. He was later on arrested and taken to the clinic for a sexual assault suspect examination.
Freeman’s following courtroom physical appearance is scheduled for March 30.
