The Arizona Canal, a favored path for cyclists in Phoenix’s suburbs, was once the haunt of a vicious killer in the early 1990s. Two young women fell victim to his heinous crimes, brutally assaulted, mutilated, and murdered.
On the eve of her 22nd birthday, Angela Brosso vanished after leaving her home for a bike ride with her boyfriend, Joe Krakowiecki. Concerned when she didn’t return, Joe searched for her, leading to the discovery of her body with horrifying injuries the next day.
Angela had been decapitated, her head missing, with signs of sexual assault and fatal stab wounds. The investigation uncovered DNA evidence but no immediate suspects, leaving the case unsolved.
Nearly 10 months later, the killer struck again, targeting 17-year-old Melanie Bernas, who was found murdered near the same canal area. The similarities in the crimes linked them through DNA evidence, with both victims sexually assaulted and mutilated.
Decades later, advancements in DNA technology led authorities to Bryan Patrick Miller as a suspect, living in close proximity to the crime scenes. Despite initially denying involvement, his DNA matched that found at the scenes, eventually leading to his arrest after a lengthy legal process.
During the trial, Miller admitted to the murders but pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The court heard chilling details of his sadistic acts and the planning that went into the killings, ultimately resulting in a guilty verdict and a death sentence for the killer.
The families of the victims continue to endure profound grief and loss, haunted by the memories of their loved ones’ tragic fates at the hands of a remorseless murderer.