ARIZONA NEWS

Closing arguments set to begin in trial of Phoenix man accused of 2 murders

Apr 4, 2023, 5:00 PM | Updated: 5:04 pm

Bryan Patrick Miller (Photo provided by Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)

(Photo provided by Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)

PHOENIX (AP) — Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Wednesday in the trial of a Phoenix man accused of sexually attacking and fatally stabbing two young women in separate killings about 30 years ago.

Bryan Patrick Miller is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and attempted sexual assault.

The double murder trial began in early October and prosecutors said the state is seeking the death penalty if Miller is convicted.

Miller, 50, waived his right to a jury trial so a Maricopa County Superior Court judge will decide his fate.

Miller did not testify and used an insanity defense.

He’s accused of killing Angela Brosso in November 1992 on the eve of her 22nd birthday and 17-year-old Melanie Bernas in September 1993.

Brosso and Bernas both disappeared while riding their bicycles along the Arizona Canal in north Phoenix, according to authorities.

Police believe the killer knocked Brasso off her bicycle, stabbed her and dragged her off the trail. Her naked body was found decapitated near a bike trail.

Ten months later, police said Bernas’ body was discovered floating in the canal. Bernas was not decapitated, but her bicycle was missing.

Authorities said DNA evidence collected in the aftermath of both crimes showed the attacks were linked to the same suspect and Miller was arrested for the murders in January 2015.

According to police, Miller denied any involvement although he acknowledged living in the vicinity of the killings at the time and said he rode his bike on paths in the area.

It took years before Miller was found mentally competent to stand trial.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

sign of Bernard Black School...

KTAR.com

South Phoenix educator wins Gaydos and Chad’s teacher tribute for October

A south Phoenix kindergarten educator was named KTAR News 92.3 FM's The Gaydos and Chad Show's Pay Tribute to a Teacher winner for October.

26 minutes ago

Derek Chauvin, former Minneapolis police officer...

Associated Press

Inmate who stabbed Derek Chauvin 22 times charged with attempted murder

A federal inmate in Tucson was charged Friday with attempted murder in the prison stabbing of former police officer Derek Chauvin.

2 hours ago

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is seen before administering the oath of office to m...

Associated Press

Here are some excerpts of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s Supreme Court opinions

Here is a collection of excerpts from Supreme Court opinions by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who died Friday at age 93.

3 hours ago

(Colton Krolak/KTAR)...

Colton Krolak

The Mesa Temple Christmas lights continue through Dec. 31

The Christmas light display at the Mesa Temple of the Church of Latter-day Saints is back and free to the public.

4 hours ago

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspect a vehicle at the Lukeville Port of Entry on the...

Kevin Stone

Major Arizona border crossing to close, with staffing redirected to catch migrants

U.S. officials are closing the Lukeville Port of Entry on the Arizona-Mexico border Monday to better deal with a surge in illegal crossings.

6 hours ago

Mugshot of Steven Ray Gault III, who was booked into jail for manslaughter after a fatal shooting i...

KTAR.com

Woman dead, man jailed after night of drinking and gunplay in west Phoenix

A night of drinking and gunplay in west Phoenix this week ended with a woman dead and man behind bars, authorities said.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Follow @KTAR923...

Valley residents should be mindful of plumbing ahead of holidays

With Halloween in the rear-view and more holidays coming up, Day & Night recommends that Valley residents prepare accordingly.

Follow @KTAR923...

The best ways to honor our heroes on Veterans Day and give back to the community

Veterans Day is fast approaching and there's no better way to support our veterans than to donate to the Military Assistance Mission.

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Importance of AC maintenance after Arizona’s excruciating heat wave

An air conditioning unit in Phoenix is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat.

Closing arguments set to begin in trial of Phoenix man accused of 2 murders