Lyft driver in Indiana was killed during his shift. The suspect drove his car to get his cousin, before heading to a family event. According to a probable cause statementfiled in the case.
Anthony Garland, 34, died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the affidavit obtained by Law & Crime and reviewed by Digital. Devin Powell (24), is being charged with murder and robbery in connection to this incident.
The body of a man was found lying in the grass by firefighters. “The male had a visible defect to the top of his head and there was a pool of blood under his face,”According to the affidavit.
Per the document, a bloody plastic glove was found near the victim’s body. Pocket change was the only thing found around the victim’s body.
According to the document the coroner concluded that Garland had been shot six times and was killed by homicide.
Garland’s wife reported him missing after he failed to return home from Lyft’s night shift. Authorities were able match the victim’s description to the missing person’s case per the document.
Official documents claim that Lyft passenger killed his driver, before leaving his body on a grassy spot and driving off in the victim’s car.
Garland’s wife confirmed that her husband had been driving their 2013 GMC Acadia for his work with Lyft. Police then gathered records from Lyft with a warrant, showing them that Devin Powell, 24, was the last passenger to be in Garland’s vehicle, according to the documents.
Police were able track the vehicle and found Powell in the passenger seat of the SUV during a traffic stop. According to documents, police saw blood on the vehicle’s center console.
Powell, who was unrecorded, told police that he was visiting town to attend a family function. according to Law & Crime.
He claimed that he discovered the vehicle with the engine still running and the door open while walking to the gas station. He said he only watched the vehicle for about a minute. “when no one came around,”According to probable cause documents, he drove off in his SUV.
According to documents, Powell admitted initially that he had a gun in his vehicle, but denied calling Lyft. Later, Powell allegedly admitted that he asked for a Lyft ride and Garland picked him off.
Powell allegedly also admitted to having shot Garland in “self-defense”For “trying to screw him over and take his money,” the documents stated.
Powell said Garland tried to “Pull the money” from his hand, which he claimed prompted him to pull out his gun and shoot Garland four times. He then pulled the victim’s body out of the vehicle, according to the documents.
Powell allegedly told police he drove to his apartment to change his clothes, bought seat covers to hide the blood stains, and vacuumed up the shell casings, according to the documents.
“We are heartbroken by this horrific tragedy, and our thoughts are with Mr. Garland’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” a Lyft spokesperson told Law & Crime in a statement.
“We will continue to assist law enforcement with their investigation in any way we can, and will continue our efforts to combat this senseless violence and help keep drivers safe.”
A GoFundMe campaign launched to cover Garland’s funeral costs described him as “A wonderful husband and best father.”
“The fundraiser description says, “He always found the good in life and made the most of it.”
His next court appearance is July 15.