Indiana ex-con Jacob Cram admits murdering friend in wheelchair — after leaving victim with screwdriver protruding from his skull

“I OFFERED TO HELP HIM GET INSIDE”!!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, AUTHORITIES SAY AN INDIANA MAN ADMITTED TO MURDERING HIS 64-YEAR-OLD WHEELCHAIR-USING FRIEND IN A BRUTAL ATTACK… AND HE NOW FACES UP TO 65 YEARS IN PRISON.

A 37-year-old Indiana man has pleaded guilty to murder following the death of his friend inside the victim’s home.

The defendant, Jacob Cram of Lebanon, admitted to killing 64-year-old Donald Bowers in 2025.

According to authorities, Bowers was a friend of Cram and relied on a wheelchair.

Investigators reported that the encounter began when Cram offered to assist Bowers in getting inside his residence.

But authorities say the situation turned violent once the two men were inside the home.

Investigators alleged that Cram then subjected Bowers to a prolonged and brutal attack.

According to investigators, Cram attacked the 64-year-old using multiple objects and multiple methods.

Bowers attempted to fight back against his attacker during the assault.

Bowers was reportedly beaten with a broom handle during the incident.

He was also cut with a box cutter.

Authorities stated that Cram additionally stabbed Bowers in the head with a screwdriver.

Investigators further alleged that a blanket was wrapped around Bowers’ face in an apparent attempt to suffocate him.

Police ultimately learned of the fatal attack after two witnesses came forward.

One of the witnesses reportedly decided to enter the residence after noticing Cram attempting to hang a blanket over a doorway.

Upon entering the home, the witness discovered Bowers lying on the floor.

Bowers was found with duct tape wrapped around his head.

A screwdriver was protruding from the victim’s skull.

Cram allegedly warned the witness not to tell anyone about what had been seen inside the home.

Police were eventually contacted regarding the situation.

Officers responded to the residence, where Bowers was found dead.

Cram was subsequently arrested by police.

Following his arrest, investigators said Cram provided a detailed confession to authorities.

In that confession, Cram admitted that he had attempted multiple methods to take Bowers’ life.

He also admitted that he continued the attack as the 64-year-old fought back.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the murder.

Details regarding Cram’s criminal history also emerged as part of the case.

At the time Bowers was murdered, Cram had reportedly been out of prison for only about three months.

His prior criminal record includes a 2018 conviction for robbery involving serious injury.

Cram has now formally entered a guilty plea to the murder charge.

As part of the negotiated plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a habitual offender enhancement.

That enhancement could have increased the total punishment Cram faced.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cram now faces 45 to 65 years in prison when sentenced.