Digest

The podcast delves into the chilling case of the Phoenix Canal Killer, focusing on the murders of Angela Brasso and Melanie Burnus in the early 1990s. The episode highlights the similarities between the two cases, leading police to believe they were connected and possibly the work of a serial killer. The Phoenix community was gripped by fear as the killer remained at large, prompting police to intensify their search for similar cases and release a statement confirming the connection between the Brasso and Burnus murders based on DNA evidence. The episode then introduces the VDOC Society, a group of seasoned detectives who provided a crucial lead by suggesting that the killer's name was already in the police case file. However, the file contained over 600 persons of interest, making the investigation daunting. Colleen Fitzpatrick, a renowned genealogy detective, used DNA evidence to identify the surname of the potential killer as Miller, significantly narrowing down the suspect pool. The lead detective prioritized Brian Patrick Miller, a suspect with a history of violent crimes and disturbing writings about killing women. A sting operation was set up to obtain Miller's DNA, which ultimately matched the DNA found at both murder scenes. Miller was arrested in 2015 for the murders of Angela Brasso and Melanie Burnus. He was also known locally as the "Zombie Hunter" due to his eccentric persona and involvement in zombie-themed events. During the investigation, Miller's ex-wife revealed that he confessed to killing a young girl who knocked on his door. This led police to investigate the disappearance of Brandy Meyer, a 13-year-old girl who vanished in 1992. Miller was charged with three murders, including the murder of Brandy Meyer. He opted for a bench trial, and in 2023, he was found guilty on all six charges. He received two death penalty sentences for the murders of Brasso and Burnus, and an additional 24 years for kidnapping and attempted sexual assault. The episode concludes with statements from the families of the victims, expressing their pain and grief over the loss of their loved ones. They commend the police and prosecutors for their dedication to achieving justice.

Outlines

00:00:13

The Phoenix Canal Killer: The Murders of Angela Brasso and Melanie Burnus

The episode explores the murders of Angela Brasso and Melanie Burnus, highlighting the similarities between the cases and the initial investigation by police.

00:00:44

The Phoenix Canal Killer: Public Fear and Police Investigation

The episode details the public fear surrounding the Canal Killer and the police's intensified search for similar cases. The connection between the Brasso and Burnus murders is confirmed through DNA evidence.

00:02:09

The Phoenix Canal Killer: The Investigation and the VDOC Society

The episode discusses the involvement of the VDOC Society in the Canal Killer case and their crucial lead suggesting the killer's name is in the police file.

00:02:33

The Phoenix Canal Killer: The Arrest and Conviction of Brian Patrick Miller

The episode focuses on the identification of Brian Patrick Miller as a suspect, the sting operation to obtain his DNA, and his subsequent arrest and conviction for the murders of Angela Brasso, Melanie Burnus, and Brandy Meyer.

Keywords

Q&A

• What similarities between the Angela Brasso and Melanie Burnus murders led police to believe they were connected?

  Both victims were young women who were stabbed in the upper torso while out on evening bike rides. Their bicycles were also taken and never recovered.

• How did the VDOC Society contribute to the Phoenix Canal Killer investigation?

  The VDOC Society reviewed the case file and confidently stated that the killer's name was already in the file, providing a crucial lead for the investigation.

• What role did Colleen Fitzpatrick play in identifying Brian Patrick Miller as a suspect?

  Fitzpatrick used DNA evidence from the crime scenes to identify the surname of the potential killer as Miller, significantly narrowing down the suspect pool.

• What evidence ultimately led to Brian Patrick Miller's arrest and conviction?

  DNA evidence obtained from a water glass Miller used during a sting operation matched the DNA found at both murder scenes.

• What was the significance of Miller's confession to his ex-wife?

  Miller's confession to killing a young girl who knocked on his door led police to investigate the disappearance of Brandy Meyer, ultimately adding a third murder charge against him.

Show Notes