An Arizona man with a criminal history was arrested after allegedly killing his former neighbor and committing multiple crimes.
Derek Bollwinkel, whose age has not been disclosed, was taken into custody on June 2, 2025, following his extradition from Salt Lake City, Utah. Bollwinkel, who had previously been involved in scams, was accused of killing 82-year-old Linda Baran in February.
The Murder of Linda Baran
According to court documents, the victim, Linda Baran, was found dead on February 11, 2025, in her car. Baran had been shot while her hands were raised in what appeared to be a surrendering position.
Police investigations revealed that she had last been seen alive on February 9, and Bollwinkel had been aggressively asking her for money prior to the incident. He had been her neighbor until he was evicted three weeks before the murder.
On the day of the murder, Bollwinkel was seen parking his van near Baran’s home. Later that evening, a neighbor reported seeing him running away from the house and back to his van around 7 p.m. According to authorities, phone records also placed Bollwinkel at the scene during the time of the crime.
The Crime Unfolds
Baran’s family, concerned for her well-being, had requested a welfare check, which led the police to find her body. They discovered her in the back seat of her car, which was parked inside her garage.
An autopsy confirmed that Baran died from a gunshot wound to her left side. Police believe that the gunshot was fired while Baran’s hands were raised, suggesting she might have been attempting to surrender.
Fraudulent Activity After the Murder
The investigation revealed that Bollwinkel continued his criminal activities even after the murder. Authorities reported that Bollwinkel used Baran’s debit card at an ATM less than 30 minutes after the killing, attempting to withdraw $10,000.
He was able to withdraw $4,000 before the transaction ended. The use of Baran’s card provided crucial evidence linking him to the crime.
Bollwinkel’s Criminal History
Before the murder, Bollwinkel had a history of fraud. He had been previously sued for consumer fraud in connection with a housing scam he conducted with his wife. He had also been convicted of forgery and criminal impersonation and had served prison time for these offenses.
Bollwinkel’s Arrest and Charges
Bollwinkel was arrested when he arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport after being extradited from Salt Lake City. He was booked into the Maricopa County Jail with a $1 million cash bond. The charges against him include first-degree murder, kidnapping, and fraudulent use of a credit card.
This case highlights how a man with a history of scams escalated to more violent crimes, leading to the tragic death of an elderly woman. Bollwinkel’s arrest brings justice for the victim, but the investigation continues to uncover more details about his criminal activities.
