DOTHAN, Ala. – New details have emerged in the case of a Dothan man accused of strangling his wife, shedding light on the tense dynamics between the couple and raising questions about the defendant’s potential to flee.
Stephen Miller Sr., 55, appeared before Judge Benjamin Lewis on Thursday, requesting a reduction in his $1.5 million bond. Miller is hoping for a more reasonable bond amount, suggesting a range between $15,000 and $150,000. However, prosecutors argue that Miller poses a significant flight risk.
According to Dothan Police, Miller strangled his wife, Gloria Miller, before reporting her missing. The couple’s 29-year-old daughter, Desiree Kelly, took the stand during Thursday’s bond hearing, offering testimony about her mother’s volatile behavior. Kelly described Gloria as “unhinged” and claimed that her mother was often the aggressor in confrontations with her stepfather, Stephen Miller Sr. Kelly further stated that her stepfather rarely got angry and was often the target of her mother’s outbursts.
Cpl. Scott Spivey, a Dothan Police Department officer, also testified, revealing that Stephen Miller had told his wife he wanted a divorce shortly before her death. Police records show that within one year, the couple had filed ten domestic dispute reports. On the day of Gloria’s murder, the two reportedly got into a violent altercation, with Gloria scratching Stephen before he allegedly pushed her into a dresser and strangled her.
Following the attack, Miller is accused of disabling security cameras at the couple’s home and moving his wife’s body. He reported Gloria missing and actively participated in the search for her, even speaking with local news station WDHN just hours before allegedly confessing to police.
Miller reportedly broke down during late-night interviews with investigators, admitting to the crime. His wife’s body was later discovered in a dry creek bed just beyond the Geneva County border.
In addition to the physical evidence, prosecutors revealed that Miller had made concerning statements in the past. Cpl. Spivey testified that Miller had confided in coworkers, saying he wanted his wife “gone” and would disappear if he feared being caught.
Prosecutors argue that these facts, combined with Miller’s actions before and after the alleged crime, make him a flight risk and a potential danger to the community. Houston County District Attorney Russ Goodman expressed concerns about the possibility of Miller fleeing if granted a bond reduction.
Despite these concerns, Miller’s defense team has maintained that he is not a threat to the public and should not be denied the right to post bond. David Harrison, Miller’s attorney, argued that his client had lived in the community his entire life and should be free to assist in his defense.
“The defense team believes Mr. Miller should be able to help prepare his case, and we don’t believe he is a flight risk,” Harrison said.
Judge Benjamin Lewis is expected to make a ruling on Miller’s bond reduction by Friday afternoon. The case continues to unfold as investigators piece together the details surrounding Gloria Miller’s tragic death.
