Podcast Summary: 20/20 - Episode: "Bad Romance: Love at First Click"
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Bad Romance: Love at First Click," ABC News's celebrated true crime series 20/20 delves deep into a harrowing tale of love, deception, and murder orchestrated through the vast expanse of the Internet. Released on May 20, 2025, this episode explores the dark side of online relationships and the catastrophic consequences that can ensue when manipulation intertwines with real-life tragedies.
Cherie Miller's Background
The story centers around Cherie Paulette Kitley Miller, a mother from Flint, Michigan, whose life took a tumultuous turn. Cherie, struggling with past traumas including early-life sexual abuse and multiple divorces by her late twenties, sought solace and control through online interactions.
Cherie Miller [02:15]: "I spent hours upon hours online talking to people. It's sex. Like I wanted to be in control of everything, obsessively in control."
Cherie's quest for stability led her to multiple jobs—she worked as a sales representative for Mary Kay Cosmetics, at a nursing home, and even handled bookkeeping at a local scrapyard owned by Bruce Miller.
Relationship with Bruce Miller
Bruce Miller, Cherie's third husband, was a hardworking individual deeply rooted in Flint's car industry before its decline. Their relationship was swift; after a short courtship of four months, Cherie moved in with Bruce and his three children, whom Bruce treated as his own.
Juju Chang [05:45]: "He was a great family guy. He offered her stability... But it wasn't enough for me. There was a part of me that wanted danger."
Despite the age difference—Bruce being 20 years Cherie's senior—the couple eloped to Las Vegas, symbolizing a union built on immediate stability rather than deep emotional connection.
Cherie's Descent into Online Manipulation
Facing financial strain due to rampant credit card debts amassed by Cherie's impulsive spending, she turned to online chat rooms as an escape. Adopting over a dozen screen names, Cherie immersed herself in sexual conversations, seeking control and fulfillment that eluded her in reality.
Her online addiction led her to Jerry Cassaday, a former police officer from Missouri grappling with his own personal issues, including depression, alcoholism, and a failing marriage.
Cherie Miller [12:30]: "I was on a spending spree. I ran up Bruce's credit and took all the money in the house."
The Affair with Jerry Cassaday
Jerry, whose career suffered after uncovering corruption within his police department, found himself vulnerable. Cherie's meticulous portrayal of wealth and stability captivated him, fostering a deep emotional and virtual bond.
Jerry Cassaday [16:50]: "She is the woman of my dreams. I never dreamed I would ever meet anyone like her."
Their relationship rapidly escalated, with Cherie making multiple trips to Reno to meet Jerry in person. These meetings were dense with fabricated intimacy, including false claims of pregnancy and abuse at the hands of Bruce Miller.
Bruce Miller's Murder
Tensions culminated in a tragic event when Bruce Miller was found dead in his scrapyard workplace, shot in the upper chest and neck—a crime scene marked by its brutality and lack of clear evidence. Initial suspicion fell on John Hutchinson, a disgruntled former employee owed money by Bruce, but the case remained unsolved due to a lack of concrete evidence.
Jerry Cassaday's Downfall
Overwhelmed by grief and feelings of helplessness, Jerry's mental state deteriorated. His inability to cope led to alcoholism, strained relationships, and eventually, his suicide.
Jerry Cassaday (Suicide Note) [34:20]: "I was just so blind and so stupid and so much in love. I'm so sorry, Mom. I love you."
In his final moments, Jerry left behind a briefcase containing incriminating evidence—emails, chat messages, and flight records—that pointed directly to Cherie Miller's involvement in Bruce's murder.
Cherie Miller's Trial and Conviction
Armed with Jerry's evidence, authorities arrested Cherie Miller, marking one of the nation's first cases involving Internet-facilitated murder. The trial was a media sensation, showcasing extensive electronic evidence that painted Cherie as the mastermind behind the murder.
Prosecutor [48:10]: "She lied about everything—her wealth, her pregnancies, her abuse. The only truth was her marriage and her gender."
Despite the defense's attempts to suggest alternative suspects and question the authenticity of the digital evidence, Cherie's web of lies unraveled during her testimony, leading to her conviction.
Post-Conviction and Confession
After serving nearly two decades, a pivotal moment occurred when Cherie received the right to appeal her case. However, before a new trial could take place, an unexpected letter arrived from Cherie herself.
Cherie Miller (Letter) [60:05]: "Bruce was so close to knowing who I really was... I shot him because I couldn't let him expose my true self."
This confession exonerated Jerry Cassaday's memory, revealing that Cherie had fabricated the narratives to manipulate Jerry and eliminate Bruce. Her admission not only closed the murder case but also exposed the depth of her manipulative tendencies.
Impact and Reflection
The episode concludes by highlighting the profound impact on the families involved. Bruce's family grapples with grief and betrayal, while Cherie's calculated deceit leaves lasting scars.
Bruce's Sister [70:45]: "She just destroyed two families and her own. Some things are not forgivable."
Cherie Miller remains incarcerated, serving a life sentence, having exhausted all avenues of appeal. Her confession serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers lurking within online relationships.
Conclusion
"Bad Romance: Love at First Click" serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of digital manipulation and the thin line between virtual personas and real-life consequences. Through Cherie Miller's story, 20/20 underscores the necessity of vigilance and skepticism in online interactions, reminding listeners that behind every click, there may lie a perilous reality.
Notable Quotes
- Cherie Miller [02:15]: "I spent hours upon hours online talking to people. It's sex. Like I wanted to be in control of everything, obsessively in control."
- Juju Chang [05:45]: "He was a great family guy. He offered her stability... But it wasn't enough for me. There was a part of me that wanted danger."
- Jerry Cassaday [16:50]: "She is the woman of my dreams. I never dreamed I would ever meet anyone like her."
- Prosecutor [48:10]: "She lied about everything—her wealth, her pregnancies, her abuse. The only truth was her marriage and her gender."
- Cherie Miller (Letter) [60:05]: "Bruce was so close to knowing who I really was... I shot him because I couldn't let him expose my true self."
- Bruce's Sister [70:45]: "She just destroyed two families and her own. Some things are not forgivable."
Final Thoughts
This episode not only unravels a complex criminal case but also invites listeners to reflect on the vulnerabilities inherent in the digital age. As relationships increasingly shift to online platforms, the line between reality and deception becomes ever more blurred, posing significant risks that this story starkly illuminates.