HOMICIDE

HOMICIDE

Timeline

Here is an accounting of the events leading up to the death of Wendy Miller, 28, of New Castle, who was found Dec. 24, 2001, in the woods near Neshannock Creek. Her estranged boyfriend, Dennis Reed, is charged with her murder.

Dec. 13, 2001: Miller files for a temporary protection from abuse order against Reed after he reportedly slapped, choked and threatened to kill her.

Dec. 14, 2001: Miller spends the night at her mother’s home in New Castle because she needed a ride to work because her vehicle was being inspected.

Dec. 15, 2001: Miller is last seen by family members on New Castle’s west side.

Dec. 15-16, 2001: Sometime overnight, Reed breaks into Miller’s home and argues with her. She and the children dress and leave with him in her vehicle, according to police. The children tell police they drove to the Neshannock Village public housing complex, where their mother and Reed got out and walked away. Reed returned alone and took the children to Butler, where they lived in the car for a week.

Dec. 17, 2001: Miller and her three youngest children are reported missing to police when family had not heard from her in two days and she did not show up for work.

Dec. 22, 2001: Reed is arrested in Butler after a police officer sees Miller’s car which has been reported missing. Police find cocaine and a weapon on Reed. Miller’s three children, then ages 8, 6 and 5, are found unharmed in the vehicle.

Dec. 23, 2001: Miller’s body is found by searchers in the woods off Neshannock Boulevard Extension, partially hidden by leaves and a rear car seat. She was shot it the back of the head.

March 17, 2003: Reed is found guilty in Butler Count Common Pleas Court of drug and weapon charges. He is later sentenced to three to 10 years in state prison.

Jan. 14, 2008: Jury selection is scheduled to begin in the trial of Reed for Miller’s death. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Source: Vindicator archives