A 67-year-old Washington landlord allegedly murdered his elderly tenant and stuffed the body in a barrel, exposing the dangerous reality facing vulnerable Americans in an increasingly lawless society.
Story Snapshot
- Ricky Dean Miller, 67, charged with murdering 71-year-old tenant Dennis Eugene Schmitt
- Victim’s body discovered in barrel on Cowlitz County property after Miller confessed to relative
- Autopsy revealed brutal blunt-force head injuries and strangulation evidence
- Case highlights growing concerns about tenant safety and violent crime targeting seniors
Landlord Confesses to Brutal Murder
Ricky Dean Miller, a 67-year-old property owner in Cowlitz County, Washington, faces second-degree murder charges after allegedly killing his 71-year-old tenant Dennis Eugene Schmitt. The shocking case unfolded December 16 when a relative contacted 911 after Miller confessed to the killing and revealed the victim’s body was hidden on his property. This disturbing admission triggered an immediate law enforcement response that would uncover a gruesome crime scene.
Body Found Hidden in Barrel After Search
Cowlitz County deputies secured a search warrant and discovered Schmitt’s remains concealed inside a barrel on Miller’s property. The deliberate concealment of the victim’s body demonstrates the calculated nature of this alleged crime. Law enforcement’s swift action prevented further decomposition and preserved crucial evidence for prosecution. The discovery validates concerns about predatory behavior targeting vulnerable elderly tenants who depend on affordable housing arrangements.
Autopsy Reveals Violent Attack on Elderly Victim
The medical examiner’s findings paint a disturbing picture of violence against the 71-year-old victim. Multiple blunt-force injuries to Schmitt’s head, combined with evidence of strangulation, indicate a prolonged and brutal assault. These findings suggest the elderly tenant suffered tremendously before his death. The savage nature of the attack raises questions about Miller’s mental state and potential history of violence against vulnerable individuals.
Miller now faces charges of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains, with authorities booking him into Cowlitz County Jail. This case exemplifies the growing threat facing elderly Americans who often become targets due to their perceived vulnerability and limited ability to defend themselves. The incident underscores the critical importance of background checks and proper vetting procedures for landlords who hold positions of authority over vulnerable tenants.
