COWLITZ COUNTY, Wash. — A 67-year-old landlord is facing serious charges following the death of one of his tenants, whose body was discovered concealed on the property. Ricky Miller has been charged with second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains, according to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began last Tuesday after a family member of Miller contacted authorities, alleging he had confessed to the homicide. When deputies responded, they searched Miller’s property in Woodland and found the remains of 71-year-old Dennis Schmitt, hidden inside a barrel.
Schmitt, who resided in a separate tiny home on Miller’s land, suffered multiple head injuries and showed signs of strangulation, as determined by an autopsy. The disturbing revelations have left the surrounding community in shock, with neighbors expressing disbelief over the violent incident occurring in their normally quiet area.
Residents described limited interaction with Miller and Schmitt, although some reported hearing arguments coming from the property. One neighbor, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted frequently hearing loud disputes emanating from the landlord’s residence. “It was unexpected to hear something like that in our neighborhood,” she said. “We thought we lived in a peaceful place.”
Emma Withers, another neighbor, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the unusual nature of the crime in their secluded surroundings. “We generally keep to ourselves out here. I can’t understand what drove him to do such a thing,” she said.
Despite the chilling nature of the event, those living nearby expressed a desire to maintain their sense of security in the neighborhood. Many voiced their determination to continue with their routines, hoping that life will return to normal in the wake of the tragedy.
As the legal proceedings move forward, Miller remains in custody at the local jail, awaiting further court developments. The community continues to come to grips with the aftermath of the incident, and residents are left pondering the complexities of their relationships with the individuals involved.