PHOENIX, ARIZONA: The infamous canal killings originating in Arizona continue to be one of the most chilling cold murder cases, shrouded in enduring mysteries.
Two women met a tragic fate within a 10-month period during the 1990s, both subjected to similar gruesome circumstances. They were sexually assaulted and their lifeless bodies were discovered in a canal.
The absence of substantial evidence left the case unsolved, denying these young women the justice they deserved.
It was only in the year 2023, approximately 30 years later, that their assailant, Bryan Patrick Miller, was finally declared guilty of committing such a heinous crime.
NBC's highly-regarded true crime show, 'Dateline,' will embark on an in-depth exploration of the intricate journey of this case that extended over three decades.
The episode, titled 'On the Hunt for The Zombie Hunter,' is scheduled to be broadcast on the channel on Friday, October 27, at 9 pm ET.
Who is Bryan Patrick Miller?
Miller's given name is likely a lesser-known form of identification, as a significant portion of both Phoenix and Arizona recognized him as the 'Zombie Hunter.'
This individual was renowned for cosplaying a character, and he had gained enough fame to attract fans who would take pictures with him at festivals and other occasions, particularly when he drove around in his fake police car.
He was initially considered one of the numerous suspects in the case, primarily due to his last name, which corresponded with a DNA sample discovered at the crime scene of the canal killings.
The murders involved Angela Brosso, occurring in 1992, followed closely by Melanie Bernas 10 months later. Both victims suffered brutal stabbing deaths and sexual assault, with Brosso even experiencing the gruesome separation of her head from her body.
Miller only came under suspicion once more when the case was reopened in 2014, led by the same detective who had devoted years to it: Clark Schwartzkopf. In order to reevaluate the case, the detective requested a forensic DNA analysis.
In this pursuit, Schwartzkopf embarked on an undercover operation during which he met with Miller at a Chili's restaurant. He successfully acquired a fresh DNA sample from the saliva left by Miller after he drank from a glass, as reported by CBS News.
Their suspicions were confirmed when the sample ended up matching with the one found on the crime scene, leading to the arrest of Miller.
Where is Bryan Patrick Miller now?
The trial for the canal murders against Miller only began later in 2022. He was accused of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and two counts of attempted sexual assault.
Miller was defended by his lawyers on the grounds of mental issues caused by a troubled childhood. However, he was found guilty of both the murders and on all six counts by 2023.
Miller received a death sentence and is awaiting the same at the Special Management Unit of Eyman Prison Complex in Florence, Arizona, according to Daily Mail. He continues to stand for his innocence and refuses his involvement in the murders.
