LI Man Faces Murder Charge In Father's Slaying: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Dix Hills man faces a murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting of his father, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Tuesday.

Christopher Miller, 43, of Dix Hills, was charged with second-degree murder after he was accused of killing his 75-year-old father, John Miller, Tierney said.

On the afternoon of March 17, Christopher Miller was involved in a motor vehicle crash, and he was admitted to Stony Brook University Hospital, officials said.

His father, John, did not know Christopher had been involved in a crash and called police on March 18 to report his son missing, authorities said. Christopher Miller lived with his father, the DA said. Matthew Galeazzi, an officer in the Suffolk County First Precinct, responded to John Miller’s home on Bruno Lane in Dix Hills, officials said.

After conducting a brief computer search, Galeazzi informed John Miller that his son was at Stony Brook University Hospital, prosecutors said. Relieved, John Miller "profusely thanked" Galeazzi for his help, authorities said.

On March 19, a Dix Hills resident reported a "suspicious individual" hiding in their shed, officials said. Galeazzi went to the home, opened the shed, and found Christopher Miller inside, investigators said.

Galeazzi told Christopher Miller that he spoke to John Miller the day before at their home, and that his father was worried about him, prosecutors said. Galeazzi offered to drive Christopher Miller home, which Christopher rejected, authorities said. Galeazzi insisted, and Christopher Miller agreed to be driven back to his home, a half mile away, officials said.

When they arrived at the home, footage from Galeazzi’s body cam captured not only his entry into the home, but also his immediate viewing of John Miller lying on the kitchen floor in a large pool of blood, with a shotgun lying nearby, prosecutors said.

Christopher Miller immediately attempted to flee up the stairs, but Galeazzi subdued him and placed him under arrest, investigators said.

In addition, witnesses say Christopher Miller attempted to steal a landscaping truck but was unsuccessful, the DA said.

Police recovered a shotgun along with four expended shot shells at the home, authorities said.

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner determined that John Miller suffered multiple perforating and penetrating shotgun wounds, officials said.

Christopher Miller was indicted on Tuesday, the DA said.

"The indictment handed down today marks a crucial step toward justice in this tragic case," Tierney said in a news release. "I would like to thank Officer Galeazzi who did a great job here apprehending this defendant before anyone else could be harmed."

Christopher Miller was ordered remanded while his case pends. He is due back in court on June 12 and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted. He is being represented by Glenn Obedin.