Cowlitz County, Washington—A landlord has been charged with murder following the grim discovery of a body found in a barrel on his property, believed to belong to one of his tenants. Authorities arrested 67-year-old Ricky Dean Miller after an investigation was prompted by a family member’s disturbing tip-off.
On December 16, police received a call reporting suspicious circumstances connected to Miller. According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, the family member alleged that Miller confessed to killing someone and indicated that the body was concealed on his land. Officers swiftly obtained a search warrant and discovered the remains of 71-year-old Dennis Eugene Schmitt, whose body was hidden in the barrel.
Schmitt, who lived in a separate structure on Miller’s property, had suffered traumatic injuries. An autopsy conducted on December 19 revealed he had multiple blunt-force injuries to the head as well as signs suggestive of strangulation, according to a police statement.
Following the investigation, Miller was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on December 17, facing charges of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains. As of now, he remains without bond.
Law enforcement is urging anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. Detective James Hanberry can be reached at 360-577-3092 for tips or insights.
The shocking nature of this incident has drawn considerable attention in the community, leaving residents unsettled as they absorb the tragic turn of events. The investigation remains active as authorities piece together the circumstances surrounding Schmitt’s death and the relationship between him and Miller.
As the legal process unfolds, the sheriff’s office has not yet provided details regarding potential motives or any previous interactions between the landlord and tenant. Meanwhile, the case is a grim reminder of the complexities often hidden within personal relationships and the dire consequences that can sometimes emerge.