Christopher Miller, 43, fired five bullets—including a fatal “blast” to the head—at his father John “Jack” Miller, 75, a retired Suffolk County Police detective, during an explosive argument in their Dix Hills home.
A most heinous alleged act of patricide, Miller confirmed himself to be the culprit shortly thereafter in conversation with the reporting officers.
The incident took place at around 7:25 a.m., according to police statements. Christopher had previously been hospitalized on Monday, March 17, following a crash that subsequently brought about a violent encounter with the motorist of the other vehicle involved.
Jack picked Christopher up from the hospital mere hours after filing a missing person report. Soon thereafter, Christopher flew off the handle and into a bout of rage, and quickly reached the point of no return—pointing a shotgun at his father five times and pulling the trigger.
After the slaying, Christopher fled to hide out in a neighbor's shed. Once detected, he tried to escape, but a cop tackled him to submission.
A pool of blood at the Miller residence awaited the responding officers who brought Christopher back home.
Ahead of Christopher’s not guilty plea “for reasons of insanity,” prosecutors revealed that when he confessed to the brutal act, the younger Miller told cops he delivered one final blast to his father’s head to “finish him off.”
Judge Eric Sachs is presiding over the case. Miller requested a new lawyer, seemingly unsatisfied with the attorney appointed to represent him, Dan Russo.
In addition to his 24 years of service on the police force before retiring in 1995, Jack Miller was also a former chief at the Wyandanch Volunteer Fire Company.
“Today we lost a true hero that dedicated his life to service both in his career and volunteer service,” Aaron Ron wrote on Facebook.” Just the other day at the firehouse we were discussing how you were tasked with the unfortunate burden of doing hundreds upon hundreds of flag arches for funerals over the years and never imagined having to have one for you. Rest In Peace Chief.”
The West Babylon Volunteer Fire Department also memorialized Jack Miller in a social media post: “His resume, knowledge, and demeanor allowed him to become a role model for many first responders throughout the Town of Babylon.”
No motive has been provided thus far. Christopher—who had recently moved back in with Jack while going through a divorce—is currently being held without bail.