Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: July 31, 2005 from Spartanburg, South Carolina Classification: Endangered Missing Age: 33 years old Height and Weight: 5'9, 140 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: African-American male. Black hair, brown eyes. Miller's nickname is Preach.
Details of Disappearance
Miller was last seen in the 800 block of south Church Street in Spartanburg, South Carolina on July 31, 2005. He went out with friends during the early morning hours. Witnesses saw him with his friends near Bomar and Crescent Avenues, and later at the Crescent Hill Apartment Complex. Miller never returned home. He has never been heard from again. Miller's truck was found parked at his home after he disappeared, with his wallet and cellular phone inside. He was reportedly carrying a large sum of cash when he disappeared.Miller had a troubled past. He dropped out of Spartanburg High School in the tenth grade and was arrested several times in his teens, culminating a conviction for the shooting death of a man when Miller was 19 years old. He served ten years in prison for manslaughter in connection with that case. He turned his life around after his released and was not convicted of any more crimes. Miller divided his time between his sister's and his mother's homes. He started his own yard maintenance business, and mowed elderly people's lawns for free. He was also baptized into a local church.
In September 2008, authorities charged David Cortez Carson and Leon Jones with Miller's murder. Carson, who has a lengthy criminal history, was known to have been with Miller the night he disappeared. The men had known each other for a long time. Miller's body hasn't been recovered and no murder weapon has been located. Carson says he didn't kill him, although he admits he was there when the murder happened. Jones denies everything. Police believe Miller was shot to death in a car off Caulder Avenue during a robbery attempt. They have blood evidence from the vehicle where the murder supposedly happened. Photographs of Carson and Jones are posted below this case summary. They are awaiting trial.
Authorities would like to question David Carson about Miller's disappearance. He was with Miller on the night Miller went missing. Although he has a lengthy criminal history, Carson is not being called a suspect or even a person of interest in Miller's disappearance. Investigators stated they have no evidence of foul play in Miller's case, but it is unclear what became of him. His case remains unsolved.
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Left: David Cortez Carson;
Right: Leon Jones
Investigating Agency
Source Information
Updated 3 times since October 12, 2004.
Last updated September 17, 2008; details of disappearance updated.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Spartanburg Public Safety Department
864-596-2065
OR
Crime Stoppers
864-582-7463
Spartanburg Public Safety Department
FOX Carolina
The Spartanburg Herald-Journal
WYFF Greenville
WSPA 7