Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Gay professor stabbed to death at home; accused killer claims victim sexually assaulted him

"Michael J. Griffin, the man accused in the stabbing death of Don Belton (pictured), an Indiana University professor, told police the victim (Belton) had sexually assaulted him on Christmas Day and showed no remorse, reports the Chicago Tribune. Griffin, 25, told police he visited Don Belton on Sunday to confront the 53-year-old assistant professor of English over two alleged assaults, the probable cause affidavit said. An argument and scuffle ensued. Griffin told police he stabbed Belton with a 10-inch military style knife after Belton failed to "show or express any type of feeling that what had taken place was a mistake," the affidavit said.

A friend who came to Belton's home in Bloomington on Monday found his body in the kitchen, authorities said. Police who were called to the scene found both doors unlocked and no signs of forced entry. Nothing was missing, said police Lt. David Drake. Drake said Belton was stabbed "at least five or six" times in the back and several times in the front of the torso. Griffin was being held without bond Tuesday in the Monroe County Jail on a charge of murder. An initial court hearing has been set for Wednesday. READ MORE