How a CPA-Turned-Detective Solved the Phoenix Canal Murders | Forbes True Crime

The Phoenix Canal Murders

• 💡 The Phoenix Canal murders involved two young women, Angela Braso and Melanie Bernest, murdered in 1992 and 1993 respectively, while on bike rides near a canal in Phoenix, Arizona.
• ⚠️ Both victims suffered brutal deaths, with Angela Braso being decapitated, and their cases remained unsolved for decades, haunting the community.
• 🔍 Matching DNA linked the two murders, but the killer, later identified as Brian Patrick Miller, managed to hide in plain sight for years.

From CPA to Detective

• 🎯 Sergeant Troy Hillman, author of "Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter," transitioned from a successful career as a certified public accountant to law enforcement.
• 🧠 Hillman's CPA skills in organization and attention to detail proved invaluable in tackling complex cold cases.
• 📈 He emphasizes that cold case investigations require patience, meticulous sifting through details, and applying new technologies.

The Investigation and Turning Points

• 🧩 Hillman assembled a dedicated cold case team, facing the frustration of years with no arrests but maintaining hope through forensic genetic genealogy and other advancements.
• 🕵️ A key turning point came from profiler Richard Walter, who suggested the killer was likely already in the existing case files, leading to a deep dive into the "creepy canal list."
• 🧬 Another crucial breakthrough was the use of a forensic genealogologist, who, for $750, was able to identify the killer's surname, narrowing the suspect pool significantly.

Identifying and Apprehending the Killer

• 🔍 The surname "Miller" led the team to Brian Patrick Miller's file, which contained numerous indicators pointing to him as the perpetrator.
• ⚠️ Despite initial disbelief due to his unassuming appearance, contrasting with the profile of a "military badass," DNA evidence ultimately confirmed Miller as the killer.
• ❓ Even after Miller's conviction for the two murders, many questions remain, including the full extent of his victim count and the symbolism he left at the crime scenes.

The Importance of Cold Case Squads

• 💔 Hillman advocates for the continued funding and staffing of cold case squads, highlighting their critical role in providing answers and justice for victims and their families.
• 📣 The decision to dismantle the cold case squad in Phoenix spurred Hillman to write his book, aiming to underscore the importance of not forgetting victims and the value of these specialized units.
• ⚖️ While "closure" may be unattainable, Hillman stresses that answers and justice are achievable through persistent investigation, even in the most challenging cold cases.