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Friday, October 2, 2026 at 5:31 PM

Status hearing set Dec. 9 in Miller case

Status hearing set Dec. 9 in Miller case

By Robert Perea

A status conference has been set for Dec. 9 in Canal Township Justice Court in the murder case against the man accused of stabbing his father to death last December.

Adam Elijah Miller was ruled competent in July to stand trial for the murder of his father and attempted murder of his mother. At a status hearing on Nov. 4, attorney Patrick Mansfield presented the court with a court order stating that he has a conflict in the case and Kale Brock was appointed as conflict counsel. At that time, a preliminary hearing scheduled Nov. 7 was vacated and the status hearing was scheduled for Dec. 9.

Miller, who was 19 at the time of the incident on December 18, 2025, is charged with Open Murder with the Use of a Deadly Weapon, a Category A felony punishable by life in prison—with eligibility for parole after 20 or 50 years—or the death penalty. He is also charged with Attempted Murder with the Use of a Deadly Weapon, a Category B felony punishable by 2–20 years, and Battery with a Deadly Weapon Causing Substantial Bodily Harm to a Victim Age 60 or Older, punishable by 2–15 years.

According to the criminal complaint filed by the Lyon County District Attorney's Office, Miller is charged with killing his father, 73-year-old Lance Miller, by stabbing him in the neck and/or chest with premeditation. The complaint also accuses him of attacking his mother, Elizabeth Miller, with a knife, stabbing her in the neck. The DA further filed charges for Destruction of Evidence, a misdemeanor, for allegedly concealing or destroying the knife used in the attacks. In a separate complaint, the DA accuses Miller of allegedly Carrying a Concealed Firearm Without a Permit and Obstructing a Public Officer related to a prior incident on November 21.

Miller was arrested December 19 after a two-day manhunt when he was found hiding in the rafters of an abandoned barn.

At a hearing on Dec. 31, 2024, Mansfield requested the case be waived up to the Third Judicial District Court so that a competency evaluation could be conducted. 

In July, Third Judicial District Court Judge John Schlegelmilch accepted the reports of two doctors who concluded that Miller is competent to proceed to trial and remanded the case to Canal Township Justice Court for further proceedings. 


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Comment author: PFB Comment text: Why can't you guys find competent contractors.. For a large municipal facility like the indoor-outdoor Fernley Swimming Pool located at 300 Cottonwood Lane, a complete ground-up commercial build or major structural renovation typically spans 6 to 12 months or longer when factoring in large-scale engineering, public municipal permitting, specialized commercial HVAC/roofing, and health department inspections. The current renovation has been- The Fernley Swimming Pool has been closed for approximately six to seven months since late February 2026 for a major roof replacement and facility renovation. Now you sat October. Soooo 8 months for a new roof. The picture shows no other renovations. Comment publication date: 9/17/26, 7:14 PM Comment source: Electrical problem delays Fernley pool opening Comment author: P Comment text: Relative of the Mayor is to over see this site. Anyone who knows Fernley KNOWS this is more of the who you are related to and know business in this town. VOTE THEM ALL OUT AND THE CALIFORNIA TRANSPLANTS. Comment publication date: 9/16/26, 10:31 PM Comment source: Lift Station Failure Released Untreated Sewage Comment author: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster