Miller murder trial will start May 12

Defendant declines to meet with psychologist

ALBION – Frederick Miller planned to use a psychiatric defense, that he was subjected to emotional abuse by his live-in girlfriend.

Miller, 62, is accused of killing Rachel Miller on March 4, 2013. Mr. Miller allegedly bludgeoned and stabbed Rachel Miller several times. He has been charged with second-degree murder.

But today in court Miller refused to meet with a psychiatrist. Orleans County Court Judge James Punch said he has been forced to preclude expert psychiatric testimony because Miller is refusing to cooperate.

Miller’s attorney, Robert King of Rochester, said in court today he will no longer pursue the psychiatric defense.

Punch set 10 a.m. on May 12 at the start of the trial. It has twice been delayed, first when Miller switched attorneys and then when King filed paperwork for the psychiatric defense.

“It would be a lot easier for everyone if you just cooperate,” Punch told Miller.

Miller met with Dr. John Amos, a psychiatrist form Rochester, but Punch said Miller wouldn’t discuss any details of the alleged crime. Punch said Amos would be available to meet again Tuesday or Wednesday this week for an evaluation, but Miller wouldn’t agree to it.

“He’s refused to cooperate with a psychiatrist assigned to the task,” Punch said in court. “It’s creating quite a mess.”

In setting May 12 for the start of the trial, Punch said there won’t be any plea deals entertained by the court.

The Millers allegedly had a fight on March 4 at a home they shared on Oak Orchard River Road. Rachel Miller was 53 when she died as a result of blunt force trauma combined with multiple stab wounds, according to an autopsy.