Charged with Open Murder, Miller Case Moves to District Court

Adam Elijah Miller appeared in Canal Township Justice Court in Fernley on March 5, 2026, for a preliminary hearing, at which time Judge Lori Matheus determined that probable cause existed and that the state had sufficient evidence to proceed with a criminal case. The matter was waived to Lyon County’s Third Judicial District Court.

Miller was represented by Christopher Robert Day of Silver State Law in Reno, a former Washoe County Deputy District Attorney. Last year, Miller was evaluated and found competent to stand trial.

Miller, who was 19 when arrested, is facing several felony allegations in connection with the Dec. 18, 2024, murder of his father, Lance Miller, and the attempted murder of his mother, Elizabeth Miller, who was 61 at the time.

The charges against Adam Miller include Open Murder with the Use of a Deadly Weapon, a Category A Felony, which in Nevada is punishable by the death penalty, life in prison, 20 years to life, or 50 years in prison with parole eligibility after 20 years; Attempted Murder; Battery with a Deadly Weapon with Substantial Bodily Harm to a Victim 60 Years of Age or Older; and a misdemeanor charge of Destroying or Concealing Evidence.

Elizabeth Miller told the court that Adam, their only son, was living in a separate apartment attached to the house at the time. Things had become very difficult with him, and she and Lance had attempted to limit his access to the main house.

During the hearing, extensive testimony was given by Elizabeth Miller, who witnessed her husband’s murder in their home on Farm District Road in Fernley. While she recalled extensive details leading up to the event and afterward, including how Lance Miller was fatally stabbed, she had difficulty recollecting many of the details of the event, particularly of her own attack.

She said she did not hear Adam approach her husband and did not immediately realize what was happening. Additionally, she was trying to administer lifesaving measures when she was attacked. According to Elizabeth, there was a great deal of blood, and she was focused on trying to keep Lance Miller alive.

Defense Attorney Christopher Robert Day cross-examined Elizabeth Miller during the hearing.

The state produced evidence that Elizabeth Miller gave extensive information to sheriff’s deputies at the scene. However, during the hearing, she said she was not able to recall or confirm several of those statements. She explained that she had been severely traumatized by the event and has been having an extremely difficult time. While she has sought professional help, she said she still has extensive memory gaps from that day.

Additionally, the state presented evidence and law enforcement testimony regarding the scene and the events that followed. In preliminary hearings, evidence does not have to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Rather, it determines whether enough evidence exists for the matter to proceed to the next phase of the criminal court process. In simple terms, a preliminary hearing determines whether a crime was committed and whether the defendant likely committed it. The court’s finding does not determine guilt, but allows the case to proceed to district court.

Justice courts in Nevada cannot sentence felony cases. As Matheus found sufficient probable cause to move the case forward, it will now be heard by either Third Judicial District Court Judge Leon A. Aberasturi or Judge John P. Schlegelmilch in Yerington.