DOTHAN, Ala. — A Dothan man was arrested late Tuesday night on charges of murder after allegedly strangling his wife and disposing of her body in another county. Stephen Miller Sr., 47, faces charges in connection with the death of his wife, Gloria Miller, whose body was discovered over the Geneva County line, in a dry creek bed under a bridge.
According to Dothan Police, the couple engaged in a violent altercation Saturday, which escalated to Miller Sr. allegedly strangling Gloria. He then reportedly dumped her body in a remote location. Police say Miller Sr. later attempted to cover up his actions by placing her phone and purse outside a store several miles from their home on Halls Mills Road.
The investigation into Gloria Miller’s disappearance began on Monday when her family filed a missing persons report. Miller Sr. also reported her missing to local news outlet WDHN on Tuesday. However, during interviews with police investigators, Miller Sr.’s story began to unravel, leading them to consider him a suspect. Lt. Ronald Hall of the Dothan Police Department confirmed that Miller Sr. eventually confessed to the crime.
Court records reveal a history of domestic violence between the couple. In January, Miller Sr. filed a protection order against Gloria, accusing her of pushing him, threatening him, and causing mental distress. He claimed she had been hospitalized for mental health issues at Southeast Health. Earlier in July 2024, Miller Sr. filed another protection order, alleging that his wife had threatened to kill him, their son, and their son’s ex-wife. That order was later dismissed at Miller Sr.’s request.
Gloria Miller’s daughter also sought a protection order in January, accusing her mother of harassment. She claimed to have stayed away from Gloria for over three years after an incident in 2018, where Gloria allegedly pulled a knife on her.
The tragic events came to light after Miller’s family, initially worried about her disappearance, worked with the police and took to social media to spread the word. Sidney Whitaker, Gloria’s brother, told WDHN in an exclusive interview that his sister would never have voluntarily disappeared. He added that her phone and purse were found near a store, about five miles from the family’s home, which raised further concerns.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet revealed the motive for the crime, and it remains unclear why Miller Sr. placed Gloria’s belongings at the shopping center. However, with Miller Sr.’s confession, the case has taken a clear and tragic turn.
The death of Gloria Miller is the latest in a series of domestic violence-related incidents, underscoring the importance of addressing the warning signs of abuse. Local authorities are urging those who suspect they are in an abusive relationship to seek help, and they continue to investigate the full scope of the Miller family’s troubled history.
Miller Sr. remains in custody, facing charges of murder, as the community reels from this devastating incident.
