Murder Sheet: Finding the Zombie Hunter – A Conversation with Troy Hillman on Cold Cases and Catching a Serial Killer

Podcast Date: October 7, 2025
Guests: Áine Cain, Kevin Greenlee (hosts); Troy Hillman (retired detective, author of Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter)

Episode Theme:

This episode delves into the decades-long investigation into the Phoenix Canal Murders, the challenges and rewards of cold case work, and the breakthrough in forensic genealogy that led to the capture of Brian Patrick Miller, the “Zombie Hunter.” Retired detective and author Troy Hillman provides first-hand insight into the case, his team’s investigative approach, the importance of cold case resources, and the impact of this case on the field of criminal justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Troy Hillman's Background and Transition to Policing

• From Accountant to Detective

  • Troy Hillman began his career as a CPA in a major Midwest firm but felt unfulfilled.
  • Inspired by classic cop shows and a desire to help society, he joined the Phoenix Police in 1997.
  • “I always say I put down a briefcase and calculator and I picked up a gun and a badge and I was off and off and running.” (Troy Hillman, 05:37)

• Drive Toward Investigation

  • Hillman initially thought he'd work financial crimes but landed in homicide and then cold cases by chance.
  • Finds cold case work uniquely challenging—“It's more sifting through kind of the rough to see what...was missed and if there’s... new technologies could be applied.” (07:54)

The Phoenix Canal Murders: Background

• Crimes Overview (02:25–03:10, 16:19–20:17)

  • Angela Brasso, 22, murdered and mutilated during a bike ride in 1992.
  • Melanie Burnas, 17, found murdered in the canal in 1993; both crimes involved extreme violence and ritualistic elements.
  • Early investigation stymied by lack of leads and nascent DNA tech.

• Initial Casework Challenges (10:17, 13:21, 14:10, 14:40)

  • Hillman took over as cold case sergeant in 2008, inheriting 2,500 unsolved homicides, but with only 2 detectives.
  • Assembled an “elite” squad based on perseverance and passion, specifically looking for investigators with “bulldog mentality”—relentless, never give up.

“Never being passionate and never giving up. Just kind of hitting those roadblocks and shaking it off...I'm going to stay at this because I'm hunting these really, really bad people.”
—Troy Hillman (13:21)

Investigative Techniques & Teamwork

• Massive Workload and Team Dynamics

  • Team working multiple cold cases at once—described as “mission impossible,” but made possible by shared commitment and diverse skills.
  • Hillman stresses that serious cold cases are solved by teams, not lone detectives. The book highlights the personalities, abilities, and sometimes “sarcastic shield” of the squad.

• Cold Case Investigation Realities

  • DNA evidence pivotal, but CODIS not in widespread use until late 1990s; many suspects needed to be tracked down across the country for DNA collection.
  • Team waded through a “creepy canal list” of 800–1,000 men, some with seemingly credible red flags, most eliminated by DNA mismatch.

“We got excited. I called it an emotional roller coaster because we got so excited over different individuals...and as our team kind of struck through those names on our dry erase board, you know, on to the next one.”
—Troy Hillman (22:47)

• Managing Fatigue and Disappointment
  • Hillman points to the bulldog tenacity as defense against discouragement.
  • Psychological support came through teamwork and sometimes “sarcastic humor” as a shield.

Turning Point: Outside Expertise and Forensic Breakthrough

• Role of the Vidocq Society
  • Sought advice from the renowned group of cold case experts, who reinforced the idea that the killer was likely already in the files.
  • Richard Walter (forensic psychologist) provided critical, if eccentric, input on offender profiling.

“You need help, and you need to set your ego aside and be willing to go and kind of lay it all on the table and say, hey, we need help.”
—Troy Hillman (24:46)

• Profiling and New Technology (27:34–28:05, 29:06)

  • Team learned about offender subtypes, used those clues to prioritize leads.
  • Key advice: In serial murder, the offender is often already in the suspect files—they’ve injected themselves into the investigation.

• The Forensic Genetic Genealogy Breakthrough (29:48–32:45)

  • Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick contacted Hillman’s team in 2014 regarding use of genetic genealogy.
  • Phoenix PD—not Golden State Killer team—made the first major serial use of this method, leading to breakthrough by identifying a common surname, “Miller.”
  • Internal skepticism about the method, described as “whispers of voodoo and some kind of weird magic.”

“For a very reasonable price tag...you could hire Dr. Fitzpatrick. And it ended up being awesome.” —Troy Hillman (32:45)

The Zombie Hunter: Investigation and Capture

• Identification and Profile of Brian Patrick Miller (34:15)

  • Miller stood out for bizarre cosplay habits, “zombie automobile” with mannequin, and public interaction with law enforcement.
  • “He was really, truly, if you meet the definition of hiding in plain sight.”

• Potential Other Victims

  • While officially two known victims, Miller is suspected in at least one other death and possibly more nationwide. Not enough evidence to prosecute other cases.
  • “I'm convinced that he's good for many more. We just can't prove it.” (35:16)

• Trial and its Toll (35:58–36:36)

  • Miller arrested in 2015, but trial delayed for years (COVID and legal maneuvers)—verdict finally reached summer 2023.
  • Hillman describes the families’ ordeal and frustration with delays.

Motivation, Evil, and Unanswered Questions

• Why Do They Do It? (37:17)

  • Hillman reflects, based on close interaction with forensic psychologists, that early abuse and “skewed” role models are often involved, but refuses to let “bad childhood” excuse horrific acts.
  • Stresses that evil of this magnitude often defies explanation.

• Lingering Mysteries and Symbolism (40:18–41:19)

  • Still haunted by unanswered questions about the crime scenes—including the meaning of runes and other symbols left by Miller.

“If I ever sit down with Brian Miller, I would love for him to tell me a host, a litany of questions that I have to this day.” —Troy Hillman (40:18)

Cold Cases: Resources, Impact, and Advocacy

• Importance of Cold Case Work (42:02–44:35)
  • After major successes, Hillman’s squad was disbanded—a common fate amid budget cuts and personnel shortages, despite cold cases’ proven societal value.
  • Argues forcefully that cold cases are “probably the most important thing that we do.”

“Every time there's a budget cut, it's like, oh, who are we going to cut? Oh, let's cut cold case. And to me, the priority should be on solving murders, whether they're old or brand new. But that is important.” —Troy Hillman (44:35)

• Public Trust and Law Enforcement
  • Áine Cain notes solving cold cases boosts public trust in policing: “These are the cases that truly matter...these are the cases the public wants to see solved.” (44:35)

The Book and Its Message

• Hillman on Writing the Book (45:55)

  • Candidly shares the arduous process of turning years of work into a cohesive narrative—balancing facts, fairness, and survivors’ stories.

• Feedback and Legacy (49:57, 50:49)

  • Says team members are anxiously awaiting the book; Hillman hopes they feel honored by his portrayal of their work and quirks.
  • “The last thing I want to do is go huge public, but hopefully they look at it and be like, wow, you know, he documented our story. He told, he told it for us.” (50:49)

The Toll on Investigators

• Personal and Professional Impact (51:34–52:53)
  • High-stress work inevitably takes a toll on detectives and their families, but Hillman says the privilege of “God’s work” (solving these cases) outweighs the cost.

The Future: Advocacy, Consulting, and Public Awareness

• Hillman's Ongoing Work (55:54)

  • Engaged in public advocacy, consulting, and writing to keep the issue of cold cases in the public eye.
  • Collaborates with organizations like Parents of Murdered Children and teaches cold case methodology.

• Barriers to Progress

  • Law enforcement can be territorial with files, slowing external review or collaboration.
  • Calls for more openness and support for public/private partnerships to address cold case backlog.

How to Get Involved or Learn More

• Troy Hillman’s website: Troyhillmancoldcase.com
• Active on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn (Troy Hillman, CPA)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Bulldog Investigators:

  • “Never being passionate and never giving up...I'm going to stay at this because I'm hunting these really, really bad people that have done terrible things to members of our society.” (13:21)

• On Profiling and Files:

  • “He said in your files there's a, there's a percentage that he's going to be in your files.” (29:00)

• On the Breakthrough:

  • “I'll never forget...I think his surname's Miller...I was like, Oh...that's the seventh most popular name at the time in the United States.” (33:05)

• On Public Trust:

  • “...these are the cases that truly matter, right?...seeing these cases get solved is a very good...publicity, frankly, in my view.” (44:35)

• On Investigative Toll:

  • “My gray hairs...are from my daughters or from that case or the, the collective cold case experience, but again, I wouldn’t trade either...to, to walk...and be able to do that almost. Some people call it God's work...” (52:53)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Overview of Phoenix Canal Murders: 02:25–03:10, 16:19–20:17
• Hillman’s Career Background: 05:31–07:32
• Cold Case Squad Formation: 10:17–14:40
• Team Dynamics and Investigation Process: 13:21–16:08, 22:47–24:46
• Canal Murders Victims’ Background: 16:08–19:22
• Forensic Genetic Genealogy Breakthrough: 29:48–33:05
• Catching and Profiling the Zombie Hunter: 34:15–36:36
• Unanswered Questions & Case Mysteries: 40:18–41:19
• Cold Case Resource Advocacy: 42:02–44:35
• Writing the Book & Team Legacy: 45:55–50:49
• The Investigative Toll: 51:34–52:53
• Hillman’s Ongoing Advocacy: 55:54–56:46

Closing Notes

This episode provides a compelling inside look at how cold case work is pursued, the teamwork and innovation required, the integral role of new forensic methods, and the far-reaching impact such cases have on survivors, investigators, and public trust.

For more, Hillman’s book, Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter, and his consulting/advocacy work are accessible through his website. The episode encourages advocacy for cold case funding and awareness, echoing the message: Cold cases matter. Never give up.