UPDATE: 3:30 p.m. - September 26, 2025
MISSOULA - A jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict on Friday that Miles Otis Miller killed his mother and tampered with evidence in 2023.
Throughout the three-week trial prosecution highlighted Miller's journal with writings that included "Cover up, no regrets, alibi: break in next door." They say Miller killed his mother over inheritance money frustrations and lingering resentment.
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The prosecution showed evidence, including hidden murder weapons and said that Miller's DNA was present on blood-stained clothing.
Miller's defense attorneys claimed that the evidence was mishandled during the initial investigation and DNA analysis could not distinctly tie him to committing the crime. They said Miller's notes are speculative confessions, and that alone cannot convict him.
However, a jury returned with a guilty verdict after beginning deliberations on Thursday.
Miller is set to be sentenced on January 22, 2026, with a pre-sentencing conference scheduled for November 12. He will be held without bond during this time.
(first report: 11:23 a.m. - September 26, 2025)
MISSOULA - The jury in the trial of a Missoula man accused of killing his mother in 2023 returned with a verdict on Friday morning.
Miles Otis Miller, who was charged with deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence, was found guilty on both counts.
Jury deliberations in the three-week-long trial began on Thursday.
Prosecutors said in their closing arguments that the death of Teri Miller was a crime of hatred and simmering frustration over inheritance money.
The prosecution highlighted Miller’s journal with writings that included “Cover up, no regrets, alibi: break in next door.”
Miller's defense attorneys had argued that evidence at the crime scene was mishandled and that the prosecution cherry-picked speculative evidence during the trial.
The defense stated that DNA analysis could not distinctly tie him to committing the crime. In addition, they said Miller’s notes are speculative confessions, and that alone cannot convict him.
Missoula District Judge Leslie Halligan set Miller's sentencing date for January 22, 2026. He will be held without bond.
- information from Emily Brown included in this report
