The reporting party told 9-1-1 they had just spoken with a family member, identified as Ricky Dean Miller, age 67, who reportedly said he had killed someone
At 6:53 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 16), Cowlitz County 9-1-1 received a report of suspicious circumstances in the 3600 block of Old Lewis River Rd. in Woodland.
The reporting party stated they had just spoken with a family member, identified as Ricky Dean Miller, age 67, who reportedly said he had killed someone. Miller resides at the Old Lewis River Rd address and reportedly told the reporting party that the victim’s body was hidden on his property.
Deputies with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and contacted Miller. Detectives obtained a search warrant for Miller’s property and located a deceased male subject, who was known to Miller, hidden on Miller’s property.
Ricky Miller was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Murder 2nd Degree and Unlawful Disposal of Human Remains. The identity of the victim will not be released at this time as the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office is still attempting to contact their next of kin.
This is an active investigation – no further details are available for release at this time. The Sheriff’s Office requests anyone with information about this case to contact Detective James Hanberry at (360) 577-3092.
Information provided by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- Opinion: What would it take for elected officials to believe high earners are leaving Washington?
Capital gains tax collections fell more than 50% in 2024 despite a 25% stock market gain that year. - The Study of Sports Podcast May 13, 2026: The playoffs have started for Washington high school sports, plus how the three of us have adapted to new roles in our careers
Paul Valencia, Cale Piland, and Tony Liberatore reunite to cover spring playoffs and Vancouver’s newest burger joint. - Opinion: IBR creates 50,000 road refugees
Lars Larson argues IBR’s tolling plan would push 50,000 daily commuters off I-5 onto I-205. - Arrest made in 2025 Fern Prairie fatal collision
Matthew Kenne’s blood alcohol was above 0.08 when his Jeep struck a tree, killing 18-year-old Nicholas Ortiz. - Opinion: It’s time to save taxpayers from Sound Transit’s strategic misrepresentation
Sound Transit’s ST3 rail program faces a $35 billion shortfall, and Southwest Washington taxpayers could bear new costs. - Opinion: A tax scam based on a climate lie
Nancy Churchill argues the CCA costs families 52+ cents per gallon while missing every emissions target. - C-TRAN board asks IBR to bring light rail to Library Square, with no protection for taxpayers
C-TRAN’s board rejected 7-2 an amendment shielding taxpayers from extra costs tied to a light rail extension that could approach $1 billion.
