Donald Gene Miller

Serial Killer

Serial Killer Donald Gene Miller

Introduction

Donald Gene Miller is an American serial killer who terrorized the East Lansing, Michigan area during the late 1970s. His crimes were particularly gruesome, targeting young women in the community. Miller, a former Michigan State University student, was convicted in 1979, though not for murder but for assault and attempted murder. His eventual conviction for lesser charges resulted in a prison sentence, but his connection to multiple homicides emerged later.

Crimes and Victims

Miller’s reign of terror involved the brutal murder of at least four women, as well as additional assaults and attacks. His victims included:

• Marita Choquette (21) – June 1976 Marita Choquette was last seen in East Lansing, Michigan. She vanished without a trace, and her body was never recovered. Though no physical evidence was found linking Miller to her disappearance, he later admitted to her murder as part of a plea deal.
• Martha Sue Young (23) – January 1, 1977 Martha Sue Young was found murdered on the first day of 1977. Like Miller’s other victims, she was a young woman from the East Lansing area. She was sexually assaulted and strangled to death. Miller later confessed to killing her.
• Wendy Bush (21) – September 1977 Wendy Bush disappeared in September 1977. Her remains were never recovered, but Miller ultimately admitted to her murder, again as part of his plea agreement.
• Karen Sue DeWitt (23) – September 14, 1978 Karen Sue DeWitt was abducted and murdered by Miller in September 1978. Her body was later found, and evidence linked Miller to the crime.

Arrest and Conviction

Donald Gene Miller was arrested in August 1978 after attempting to strangle and kill two teenage girls. He broke into their home and was caught while trying to silence them. His attack was interrupted, and police quickly took him into custody. Though initially charged with assault, authorities began to suspect him in the disappearances and murders of the young women in the area. As part of a plea deal, Miller eventually confessed to four murders, leading authorities to partial remains of some victims. However, because he was never formally charged with homicide, he was sentenced to 30 to 50 years for the lesser crimes of assault and attempted murder. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Marita Choquette Age: (21), Date of Death: 1976-06

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Donald Gene Miller - Wikipedia

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