Donald Gene Miller

Serial Killer

Donald Gene Miller: The East Lansing Serial Killer

Background and Early Life

Donald Gene Miller was born on December 28, 1954, in Lansing, Michigan. Before his crimes became known, he appeared to be an unlikely future serial killer. He grew up in a middle-class family, attended East Lansing High School and participated in the school marching band. He was also active in his church, where he served as a youth minister. Those who knew him often regarded him as intelligent, clean-cut and responsible. After graduating from high school, Miller attended Michigan State University and studied criminal justice. His education gave him some familiarity with police procedures and the legal system, but it did not prevent investigators from eventually uncovering the series of murders and violent assaults he committed in the Lansing area between 1977 and 1978.

The Murder of Martha Sue Young

Miller's first known victim was Martha Sue Young, his 19-year-old former fiancee. The two had dated for several years, and Miller proposed marriage in 1976. Young initially accepted but later ended the engagement. Miller apparently could not accept the rejection. Young spent New Year's Eve with Miller and disappeared during the early morning hours of January 1, 1977. Miller was one of the last people known to have seen her alive. When questioned, he claimed that he had driven Young home at approximately 2:00 a.m. Because her body had not been located and investigators lacked physical evidence, Miller was not immediately charged. Miller later admitted that he attacked and strangled Young after she made it clear that their relationship was over. He concealed her body near Priggooris Park in the Bath area of Clinton County. On October 20, 1977, hunters found Young's clothing and purse near a lake, but her remains were not recovered until Miller led investigators to the location in July 1979. ...

Confirmed Victims: (4)

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

Donald Gene Miller - Wikipedia