Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a well-being check at Elkin Avenue, Spring Hill, on January 15 at 6:59 p.m., leading to the discovery of a homicide involving William Scott Trudell.
A family member’s 9-1-1 call suggested Dakota Lee Croft’s potential involvement in Trudell’s death. On arrival, deputies encountered Dustin McMillan, born February 4, 1990, who initially barred entry to the residence. McMillan eventually permitted access, indicating Croft’s absence.
In the backyard, deputies discovered Croft, deceased, hanging from a tree. An area search revealed Trudell’s body in a nearby wooded lot, with drag marks leading from the residence’s garage door to the site.
During interrogation, McMillan confessed that he and Croft, after consuming alcohol earlier that day, plotted to attack Trudell. Motivated by Trudell’s alleged disrespect towards women and being a “Cop Caller,” they ambushed and killed him in the garage. A family member, upon witnessing Trudell’s body, fled the scene.
McMillan detailed their efforts to drag the body to the woods and clean the garage. Investigation disclosed Croft’s status as a Florida Department of Corrections supervisee, who had recently severed his ankle monitor found in the backyard.
Detectives believe Croft’s suicide occurred during the garage cleanup. McMillan faces charges of First-Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence, and is detained at Hernando County Detention Center without bond.