Murder Suspect Adam Miller to be Evaluated for Competency

By Leanna Lehman 

Adam Elijah Miller, 19, appeared via Zoom from the Lyon County Jail in Canal Justice Court in Fernley on Tuesday, Dec. 31, before Judge Lori Matheus on multiple serious charges, including murder. 

Miller, who led law enforcement on a 30-hour manhunt after he stabbed his parents, fatally killing his father, is charged with open murder with the use of a deadly weapon, a Category A Felony. In Nevada, “open murder” is a general allegation that could include first- and second-degree murder, as well as voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. murder in the first degree is a Category A Felony and may call for the death penalty if the “aggravating circumstances outweigh the mitigating circumstances.” Otherwise, first-degree murder is punishable by life in prison, with or without the possibility of parole after 20 years, or 50 years in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.  

According to the criminal complaint (Case 24CR-00421), on or about Dec. 18, in Lyon County, at his residence on Farm District Road in Fernley, Adam Miller did, “with malice, aforethought, deliberation, and premeditation, kill and murder Lance Miller, 73, with the use of a deadly weapon.” 

Count I of the complaint alleges Adam Miller used a knife to stab Lance Miller in the neck and/or chest, thereby inflicting mortal injuries. 

Count II alleges that on the same date and location, Adam Miller committed attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon, which is a Category B Felony punishable by 2-20 years in prison. For an attempted murder charge to be applied, there must be the intent to kill, direct steps toward carrying out the act, and the victim must have survived. According to the complaint, Adam Miller “with the intent to kill, attempt to kill and murder Elizabeth Miller, 61, with the use of a deadly weapon, namely a knife, but failed to accomplish it.” Court documents indicate that he brandished a knife and proceeded to attack Elizabeth Miller, stabbing her in the neck. 

Count III charges Adam Miller with battery with a deadly weapon causing substantial bodily harm to a victim 60 years of age or older, which is punishable by 2-15 years in prison. The complaint alleges that Miller, on the same date and location, did force violence upon another person, over the age of 60 years, with the use of a deadly weapon, which resulted in substantial bodily harm when he attacked Elizabeth Miller with a knife, “stabbing her in the neck and/or back and/or arms, causing injury which constitutes substantial bodily harm.”  

In Nevada, when defendants commit crimes with the use of a deadly weapon, a sentencing enhancement may apply, potentially doubling the sentence. Similarly, if the victim is over 60 or is considered a vulnerable person, and the defendant is found guilty, a one to 20-year sentencing enhancement may apply. 

Count IV further alleges that Adam Miller, on the same date and location, intending to conceal the commission of a felony, destroyed or concealed the knife used in Counts I-III. 

A second case against Miller (Case 24 CR-00398) charges him with carrying a concealed pistol, revolver, firearm, or other deadly weapon, a Category C Felony punishable by 1-5 years. On Nov. 21, Adam Miller, at or near Stillwater Way in Fernley, is alleged to have had a .380 handgun concealed in his waistband underneath his shirt, without having a permit. Court documents also list an additional charge for giving a false statement or obstructing a public officer. 

Patrick Mansfield, Esq., appointed to represent Miller, also appeared by Zoom during Tuesday’s proceedings and informed Judge Matheus that Miller wished to waive his right to a preliminary hearing within 15 days on Counts I-IV. Mansfield requested the case be waived up to the Third Judicial District Court so that a competency evaluation could be conducted. With no objection from the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office, the court scheduled a Competency Hearing for January 13. 

Mansfield waived a formal arraignment on Miller’s behalf regarding the concealed weapon charge. No further action will likely occur on either matter until Miller’s competency is determined. 

Miller was placed on probation on Oct. 10, 2024, under the supervision of the Nevada Department of Public Safety Probation and Parole at the time of his arrest. A revocation hearing was also slated for Tuesday’s docket regarding Case CR-00398 but was trailed and will be addressed by the court at a later date.  

Miller remains in custody in the Lyon County Jail on a no-bail hold.