Indiana Man Pleads Guilty After 75-Year-Old Realtor Is Found Dead in Her Basement

A 75-year-old real estate agent was found dead in the basement of her Indiana home, and the man accused of killing her has now admitted to the crime, bringing a major development in a case that shocked her community.

Jamerus Parkman, 35, pleaded guilty to murder and burglary on October 23, 2026, in connection with the death of Susan Haynie, a longtime Evansville resident and real estate professional. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, according to court records reported by Law&Crime and other news outlets.

Police were called to Haynie’s home on East Gum Street on August 27, 2025, after receiving a report of a medical emergency. Responders found her dead in the basement. What initially began as a death investigation was soon treated as a homicide.

Investigators believed Parkman entered the residence through an unlocked door before strangling Haynie. Evidence gathered during the investigation reportedly included physical evidence linking him to the scene and a tablet that allegedly placed him in Haynie’s yard around the time of her death.

Parkman had been released on parole in February 2025 after serving approximately 13 years of a 35-year sentence stemming from earlier offenses, including burglary, robbery and attempted rape. His release months before Haynie’s death prompted questions from members of the local community about the decisions surrounding his parole.

Investigators also examined reports of suspicious activity in the neighborhood before the killing. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Parkman entering residential backyards and incidents involving burglaries of parked vehicles.

Haynie was remembered in her obituary as a dedicated real estate professional who cared deeply about her community. Friends and loved ones described her as generous and someone who made gatherings and everyday moments special for those around her.

Her death also helped inspire Indiana legislation requiring corrections officials to notify specified local authorities at least seven days before releasing certain serious violent offenders.

Parkman’s guilty plea marks a significant turning point in the case. His sentencing is expected to determine the punishment he will face for Haynie’s death.

Source: PEOPLE