Homicide suspect pleads not guilty
Thomas Edward Miller II pleaded not guilty to criminal homicide and related charges Thursday during his official arraignment in Fayette County Court. Miller, 31, of 295 Ronco Road, Masontown, allegedly fired shots at two men who stopped near his home May 12. One bullet traveled through Charles David Springer, 28, of Ronco, killing him, then hit Andrew Scott King, Springer’s stepfather.
King, 45, of Brownsville spent five days after the shooting in the hospital. Springer was pronounced dead at the scene.
He testified at Miller’s preliminary hearing last month that he and Springer left the family’s bar in Masontown and were heading to Springer’s home. The two stopped near Miller’s home to have a heart-to-heart talk, and Miller allegedly came out yelling at them, testified King.
Springer jumped out of his stepfather’s vehicle and started yelling back.
Miller, according to King’s testimony, went back to his home and returned with a gun. Police said it was a 12-gauge shotgun, and they allege Miller shot Springer, and the bullet traveled into King.
In addition to homicide, Miller is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person.
Police spent several days after the shooting trying to track down Miller, who was ultimately found in Ohio.
At his arraignment, Miller was represented by attorney Mark F. Morrison. First Administrative Assistant District Attorney John A. Kopas III represented the commonwealth.
Miller remains incarcerated in the county prison. Because he is charged with criminal homicide, he must petition the court to set bail. Morrison has not done so on Miller’s behalf.