Louisiana authorities have arrested a man in connection with the death of Nathan Millard, a Georgia father-of-five whose body was found wrapped in plastic and rolled up in a carpet in South Baton Rouge on March 6.
Derrick Perkins, 45, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of damage to property, three counts of access device fraud, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and probation violation.
Perkins was seen driving a 2004 Toyota Camry near the vacant lot where Millard’s body was found, and he was also captured on surveillance footage using Millard’s debit card at two businesses on Highland Road. His home address is less than a mile from where Millard’s body was discovered.
Vehicle Disguise and Arson Attempt
Perkins was also charged with damage to property for his attempt to “disguise” the vehicle he was seen driving near the crime scene. The car, which had been burned, had its bumper spray-painted, a rear bumper sticker removed, and the license plate swapped.
Perkins allegedly attempted to conceal the vehicle after news of Millard’s disappearance gained national attention.
No Accusation of Wrongdoing in Connection to Death
Perkins has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Millard’s death. The cause of death has not been determined, but police suspect Millard died of an accidental overdose.
The official cause of death is pending the completion of a full autopsy, and police are still investigating how Millard’s body ended up being dumped.
Mystery Surrounding Millard’s Disappearance
Millard disappeared on February 22 after he was cut off for having too much to drink at Happy’s Irish Pub on Florida Boulevard. Police do not suspect foul play in the case.
Video footage emerged of Millard walking with a mystery man shortly before he vanished. Millard was in Baton Rouge to stake out a prospective gig for his construction company and had gone to a Louisiana State University basketball game and the pub with a client the night of his disappearance.
He is survived by his wife, Amber, their 7-year-old daughter, two teenage sons from a previous marriage, and two teenage stepsons.
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