Collegeville Man Killed Childhood Friend, Hid Body in Sleeping Bag: Authorities

A man living in Collegeville has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting his childhood friend in the head and stuffing his body into a sleeping bag in Malvern on Friday, according to the Chester County District Attorney.

Merritt Dudas, 24, who was reportedly staying at his girlfriend's house on Russell Circle in Collegeville, was arrested on Tuesday, according to Philly.com.

Authorities say that Dudas admitted to killing Drew Ferguson, 21, and stuffing his body inside a sleeping bag, rolling the bag up into a tarp, and placing it under a bean bag chair.

After the alleged slaying, Dudas reportedly stole Ferguson's Honda Civic, wallet, phone and keys, and then fled to the Collegeville residence.

Police say that the father of Dudas's girlfriend told police that one of his guns was missing;  it was allegedly found in the area of the home where Dudas lived.

Dudas charged with of first degree murder, criminal homicide and abuse of a corpse, according to court documents; he is currently being held in Chester County Prison without bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 27.

Nate Adams Contributed to this report.