Indiana Father Accused of Killing Girlfriend With Sawed-Off Shotgun in Front of Their Baby After She Confronted Him About Cheating

GARY, INDIANA — A 26-year-old Indiana man is behind bars after police say he shot his girlfriend to death with a sawed-off shotgun — all while their 11-month-old baby was inside the home — following a heated argument over cheating.

Argument Over Cheating Turned Violent Moments Before the Shot

According to a probable cause affidavit, Charles Franklin and his girlfriend, 26-year-old Arrianna Miles, began arguing Monday inside their home on Pennsylvania Street. Miles allegedly confronted Franklin about past cheating and told him she was considering kicking him out.

As tensions spiraled, Franklin claims Miles grabbed a sawed-off shotgun from a closet. A physical fight broke out, and the gun discharged — though investigators say the evidence does not support Franklin’s version of events.

What happened next was captured on the 911 call Franklin made.

As the dispatcher asked if the shooting was intentional, Franklin reportedly hesitated. In the background, Miles could be heard pleading:

“Why would you do that?”

Seconds later, she cried out:

“I’m dying… take me outside…”

Then she went silent.

Victim Begged Officers “Get Him Away from Me” Before Dying at the Hospital

Gary police arrived to find Miles slumped on a sofa, bleeding from a gunshot wound to her abdomen. She was still conscious — barely.

Officers said she looked terrified of Franklin.

“Please get him away from me,” she told police, according to the Post-Tribune.

Miles was rushed to a nearby hospital but pronounced dead shortly after arrival. An autopsy confirmed she was killed by a close-range shotgun blast, raising further doubts about Franklin’s claim that Miles was holding the gun.

Detectives also noted that the gunshot came from a downward trajectory, inconsistent with Miles shooting herself during a struggle.

Adding to suspicion: police found five 12-gauge shells matching the fired round lying around the home.

Suspect Has Prior Domestic Violence Charges

Court records show Franklin has a history of violence. He is already facing:

• A domestic battery charge from April
• An intimidation charge from May

He now faces charges including:

• Murder
• Domestic battery committed in the presence of a child
• Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon

Franklin remains held in the Lake County Jail and was scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

Child Witnessed the Deadly Attack

The couple’s 11-month-old son was inside the home during the shooting. Police say this factor adds significant weight to the charges, given the trauma and danger the child faced.

Prosecutors have not yet released details on where the child is now placed, but Children’s Services has been notified.

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