Milan Man Charged After Alleged Break-In, Hiding in Juvenile’s Bedroom Closet Following Facebook Messaging

By Echo Menges

MILAN, Mo. — A Milan man is accused of breaking into a home and hiding in a teen’s bedroom closet after initiating communication on the social network Facebook, according to court documents.

Declan John Murphy, 21, is charged with one count of first-degree burglary, a Class B felony, and one count of enticement of a child in case No. 26SU-CR00060.

According to a probable cause statement filed in the case, on April 22, 2026, a teenager reported receiving Facebook messages from Murphy. The juvenile allegedly told Murphy their age, but the messaging continued, including requests from Murphy to meet at the teen’s residence.

Later that day, the teenager reported returning home after visiting friends and receiving a message from Murphy allegedly stating he was outside the side door of the residence.

The teenager allegedly contacted a trusted adult, who told the teen to call the police.

It is alleged Murphy overheard the conversation, emerged from the teenager’s bedroom closet, told the teen not to call the police, and left the residence.

Court documents allege a cellphone was found in the closet, which did not belong to the teen.

Murphy was later taken into custody at Friendship Apartments in Milan by the Milan Police Department.

Murphy allegedly told police he messaged the juvenile and entered the residence without permission, according to the probable cause statement.

Sullivan County Prosecutor Jane Dunn stated the alleged entry was made for the purpose of committing sexual misconduct in the criminal complaint.

Murphy is being held at the Grundy County Jail on a $250,000 cash-only bond.

He is scheduled to appear in Sullivan County court at 10 a.m. April 30 before Sullivan County Associate Judge Adam L. Warren.

Murphy is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.