Miller murder trial will start March 10

Miller

ALBION – The trial against accused murderer Frederick Miller of Carlton will begin March 10 with jury selection starting at 10 a.m.

Orleans County Court Judge James Punch set the schedule during a court appearance this afternoon by Miller. The trial was set to start on Jan. 13 but was pushed back to give Miller’s attorney time to file motions and arguments in the case.

Miller hired defense lawyer Robert King of Rochester on Dec. 7. For nearly nine months Miller was represented by the public defender.

King filed a motion about a search by police of Miller’s home following the March 4 murder, when Miller allegedly killed his girlfriend, Rachel Miller. Police did not have a search warrant. Punch said he will soon make a decision about the motions filed in the case.

Rachel Miller, 53, died of blunt force trauma combined with multiple stab wounds. The couple allegedly had a fight on March 4 at a home they shared on Oak Orchard River Road.

Frederick Miller has rejected a plea bargain for pleading guilty to second-degree murder. He would face a sentence of 15 years to life in state prison if he accepted that plea bargain.

His attorney told Judge Punch that Miller won’t accept a plea bargain and wants to take the case to trial.

Punch said there won’t be any more plea bargain discussions. The case is now on track for trial.

“Please do not come back to me and request a plea bargain while we are in session,” Punch said. “It’s done now at your request.”