On a tragic day in May 2017, the quiet community of Ruffin, South Carolina, was shattered by a violent crime that claimed the lives of three family members. Lori Miller, a 52-year-old woman, was killed in her home alongside her husband, Phillip Miller, 46, and their 13-year-old son, Vincent. The brutal events of May 16th stemmed from a drug deal that spiraled into a triple homicide.
The incident began when Kenneth Mar'Keith Chisolm arrived at the Miller residence with the intention of
purchasing marijuana from Phillip Miller. Chisolm attempted to use counterfeit money for the transaction. When Phillip Miller discovered the fake currency, a confrontation ensued on his porch, culminating in Chisolm fatally shooting him multiple times at close range. In the horrific moments that followed, Chisolm also shot and killed Lori Miller and their son, Vincent.
A nine-year-old granddaughter, who was also present, was shot in the leg but managed to survive by hiding from the gunman. Her ability to recount the events to investigators proved crucial in the case against the perpetrator.
Following the murders, law enforcement identified Kenneth Mar'Keith Chisolm, then 18 years old, as the primary suspect. He was subsequently arrested and faced a litany of charges, including three counts of murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Despite his initial denials of involvement, the evidence against him was substantial. This included DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene, specifically the victim's blood found on his shoes, and cell phone records that placed him at the Miller's home at the time of the killings.
During the trial, Chisolm's co-defendant and getaway driver, La Shay Aiken, provided key testimony for the prosecution. Aiken described the harrowing scene, which included witnessing the Millers' son running towards her car, grievously wounded. After a jury deliberation that lasted two hours, Kenneth Mar'Keith Chisolm was found guilty on all counts, including three counts of murder and attempted murder. He received three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. For her role, La Shay Aiken pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to armed robbery and received a nine-year prison sentence.
