Stephanie Miller, a 37-year-old woman, tragically lost her life on March 28, 2019, in Wayne, Pennsylvania. She was shot multiple times by her ex-husband, Brian Kennedy, with an AR-15-style rifle inside a Wawa store at Old Sugartown and Morris roads. The incident occurred during a scheduled custody exchange for their 6-year-old son. Kennedy, who was 34 years old at the time, was arrested about two hours later in Thornbury Park.
The Delaware County District Attorney, Katayoun Copeland, revealed that Kennedy had previously pleaded guilty to a harassment charge in 2016 and that Miller had a protection from abuse order against him, which expired in September 2018. Kennedy was charged with first- and third-degree murder, homicide, and related charges. He was found guilty of first-degree murder in January 2023.
Stephanie Miller was remembered as a selfless and happy individual who worked as an occupational therapist, helping both the elderly and children with special needs. Her boyfriend, Michael D'Arco, spoke out about their fears and the challenges they faced due to the expired protection order. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support their son, and it raised over $5,600 of its $25,000 goal.
The tragic event shook the community, and the Wayne Wawa store became a place of sorrow and remembrance for those who knew Stephanie Miller. The case highlighted issues within the judicial system and the need for better protection for victims of domestic violence.
