Adam Miller Found Competent to Stand Trial for Alleged Murder and Attempted Murder of his Parents

After an evaluation by two doctors, a District Court judge has ruled Adam Miller competent to stand trial for the murder of his father and attempted murder and battery of his mother. Photo courtesy of Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

Third Judicial District Court Judge John Schlegelmilch accepted the reports of two doctors who concluded that Miller is competent to proceed to trial and remanded the case to Canal Township Justice Court for further proceedings. 

The order issued by Schlegelmilch states that the defendant understands the nature of the criminal charges against him; has an understanding of the nature and purpose of court proceedings, and that he has the ability to aid and assist counsel in his defense within a reasonable degree of rational understanding.

Miller, who was 19 at the time of the incident on December 18, is charged with Open Murder with the Use of a Deadly Weapon, a Category A felony punishable by life in prison—with eligibility for parole after 20 or 50 years—or the death penalty. He is also charged with Attempted Murder with the Use of a Deadly Weapon, a Category B felony punishable by 2–20 years, and Battery with a Deadly Weapon Causing Substantial Bodily Harm to a Victim Age 60 or Older, punishable by 2–15 years.

According to the criminal complaint filed by the Lyon County District Attorney's Office, Miller is charged with killing his father, 73-year-old Lance Miller, by stabbing him in the neck and/or chest with premeditation. The complaint also accuses him of attacking his mother, Elizabeth Miller, with a knife, stabbing her in the neck. The DA further filed charges for Destruction of Evidence, a misdemeanor, for allegedly concealing or destroying the knife used in the attacks. In a separate complaint, the DA accuses Miller of allegedly Carrying a Concealed Firearm Without a Permit and Obstructing a Public Officer related to a prior incident on November 21.

Miller was arrested December 19 after a two-day manhunt when he was found hiding in the rafters of an abandoned barn.