A bench trial is scheduled to start Monday for a person accused of sexually attacking and fatally stabbing two younger ladies in separate killings almost 30 years in the past close to a metro Phoenix canal system. Bryan Patrick Miller, 49, is charged with two counts every of first-degree homicide, kidnapping and tried sexual assault.
Prosecutors stated the state is looking for the dying penalty if Miller is convicted.
He waived his proper to a jury trial so a Maricopa County Superior Court docket decide will determine Miller's destiny.
Miller is accused of killing 22-year-old Angela Brosso in November 1992 and 17-year-old Melanie Bernas in September 1993.
Brosso and Bernas each disappeared whereas driving their bicycles alongside the Arizona Canal in north Phoenix.
Police consider the killer knocked Brasso off her bicycle, stabbed her and dragged her off the path, CBS affiliate KOLD-TV reported. She was discovered nude and decapitated close to a motorcycle path.
"I imply, this was extraordinary in its horror, you already know. Who would do a factor like this?" William Hermann, a criminal offense reporter with the Arizona Republic newspaper who coated the case, informed the station.
Ten months later, Bernas' physique was found floating within the canal. Bernas was not decapitated, however her bicycle was lacking, KOLD-TV reported.
Authorities stated DNA proof collected within the aftermath of each crimes confirmed the assaults have been linked to the identical suspect.
Miller was arrested for the murders in 2015, however denied any involvement though he acknowledged dwelling within the neighborhood of the killings on the time and stated he rode his bike on paths within the space, in line with Phoenix police.
It wasn't till 9 months in the past that Miller was discovered mentally competent to face trial.
Miller was well-known within the Phoenix space to cosplay, sci-fi and horror conference followers, CBS affiliate KPHO-TV reported. He was identified for driving round in an outdated police cruiser with the phrases "Zombie Hunter" on the trunk and a zombie model within the again seat. Associates say he posed for photographs with anybody who requested, together with law enforcement officials.