True Crime All The Time – Episode 436: Bryan Patrick Miller
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Hosts: Mike Ferguson & Mike Gibson
Episode Overview
In this gripping episode, Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson dissect the chilling case of Bryan Patrick Miller—infamously known as the “Zombie Hunter”—and his connection to the brutal Phoenix Canal Murders of the early 1990s. The hosts delve deep into Miller’s background, the details of his crimes, the twists and turns in the decades-long investigation, his unusual public persona, and the ultimate resolution of the case. The episode explores not just the facts, but also the psychology and circumstances surrounding both victims and perpetrator, with the hosts blending empathy for the victims and families with their signature candid, occasionally lighthearted banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Phoenix Canal Murders: Setting the Scene
- [04:53] The murders of 22-year-old Angela Brasso (1992) and 17-year-old Melanie Bernas (1993) in Phoenix, Arizona, form the core of the episode.
- Both women were attacked while riding their bikes along the Arizona canal.
- Angela was found stabbed, sexually assaulted, decapitated, and partially dismembered, her head missing initially but later discovered in a nearby canal.
- Melanie was found stabbed, sexually assaulted, with letters carved into her body, and redressed in a bodysuit believed not to be hers.
Quote:
Mike Ferguson: “You think about decapitation and trying to cut someone’s torso in half…I mean, that is really grisly stuff.” [08:33]
Early Investigation & Missed Leads
- [10:17] Police were confounded by the brutality and peculiarity of the crimes.
- Both crimes yielded a male DNA profile, but no matches in existing databases, causing the case to stall.
- [15:01] In 1994, a tip about a man named Bryan Patrick Miller owning a distinctive teal bodysuit (matching what Melanie was found in) was not pursued by investigators.
Quote:
Mike Gibson: “It seems like that would have been one you would want to pursue, though.” [15:01]
Miller’s Troubling Background
- [17:30] Miller had a history of violent behavior:
- Juvenile conviction for stabbing a woman in 1989.
- While in juvenile detention, his mother found a note detailing plans to abduct, rape, murder, and dismember a woman.
- Later assaults included two more stabbing attacks (2000 and 2002), one of which he was acquitted for on a self-defense claim.
- His ex-wife later recounted confessions to at least one more killing and described his violent, sexually deviant behavior.
Quote:
Mike Ferguson: “Why would you just run by somebody at a bus stop and stab them in the back and keep running? Just for kicks? To find out what it feels like?” [18:35]
The "Zombie Hunter" Persona: Public Face, Dark Secrets
- [21:53] Miller assumed a bizarre local celebrity guise, “The Zombie Hunter,” attending events in costume, driving a former police car emblazoned with his moniker, and interacting with the public.
- Friends and acquaintances described him as “just a goofy guy,” yet also distant and especially awkward with women.
- He was seen as shy and enjoyed the attention his persona brought without having to interact much.
Quote:
Mike Ferguson: “It was said that this guy participated in what were called zombie walks and other events in Phoenix. He was kind of a local celebrity; fans and even police officers liked to take photos with him.” [23:05]
Breakthrough via Forensic Genealogy
- [16:43] With the rise of forensic genealogy, detective Clark Schwarzkopf worked with Colleen Fitzpatrick and Identifinders International in 2014; DNA evidence pointed to someone with the last name “Miller.”
- Bryan Patrick Miller, already on the person of interest list and with a violent history, became the focus.
- Detectives surveilled Miller and cleverly obtained his DNA from a water glass during a staged job interview at a Chili’s, which matched the crime scene DNA.
Quote:
Mike Ferguson: “On January 13, 2015, investigators learned Brian's DNA matched the DNA from the Canal murder. Brian was arrested that day…” [29:46]
Arrest, Search, and More Disturbing Revelations
- [31:28] Miller’s house was filled with garbage; neither the murder weapons nor victims’ bicycles were found.
- Investigators discovered, via interviews with his ex-wife Amy, Miller’s confessions to other attacks, including potentially undiscovered victims (notably 13-year-old Brandi Meyer).
- [33:08] Amy described Miller holding a knife to her throat during sex, with police viewing this as clear evidence of sadistic sexual violence.
Quote:
Amy (via Mike Ferguson): “I was avoiding any confrontation with him at all at that point and wanted to be as compliant as possible so that I would say, will he love me enough not to kill me?” [53:05]
Unsolved Cases & Potential Further Victims
- [37:04]–[40:30] Miller is suspected in additional unsolved cases, including the abductions and murders of children and teens in the Phoenix area.
- Authorities and family members believe he is responsible for more than the two confirmed murders, but some cases remain unresolved due to lack of evidence.
Quote:
Phoenix Sgt. Trent Crump: “To think that someone who was killed in that fashion, that there weren’t other crimes related to this, is unlikely.” [47:04]
The Insanity Defense & Trial Resolution
- [49:00]–[54:09] Miller’s defense conceded his acts but claimed he was not guilty by reason of insanity, citing autism, dissociative amnesia, and an abusive upbringing.
- Psychologists debated the credibility and influence of these diagnoses on Miller’s responsibility.
- The judge rejected the insanity defense, citing evidence and Miller’s own subsequent denial of guilt.
Quote:
Mike Ferguson: “So he doesn’t even agree with the psychologists who were trying to give his defense some credibility. But then he has to be able to explain his DNA.” [67:48]
The Aftermath: Sentencing, Denials, and Reflections
- [54:22] Miller was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault, and sentenced to death.
- In his statement, Miller expressed regret to victims’ families and especially to his daughter but continued to distance himself from responsibility for the crimes.
- Even in post-conviction interviews, Miller denied involvement, claiming the state failed to prove his guilt and questioned how his DNA was present.
Quote:
Bryan Miller (in court): “I know I’m different. I didn’t understand completely why. I thought it might have to do with what my mother did to me growing up. I was scared. I was lost. I was confused... I want to get help.” [54:22]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the attack violence
Mike Ferguson: “But you think about decapitation and trying to cut someone’s torso in half…I mean, that is really grisly stuff.” [08:33] -
On “Zombie Hunter” celebrity
Mike Ferguson: “We’re talking about very serious stuff here. And then all of a sudden, we’ve got this guy dressing up like a junior Gibby and driving around town in a, you know, police model car with Zombie Hunter and fake blood on it.” [21:53] -
On the banality of evil
Mike Ferguson: “Would you think this guy’s going to be a killer? Then you see him interacting with his daughter. ‘OK, you’re not…It’s not screaming out cold-blooded killer, right?’” [29:46] -
On Miller’s explanation for damning evidence
Bryan Miller: “That’s the million-dollar question. If I had a provable answer for that, I wouldn’t be in this situation now, would I?” [57:56] -
On trauma and responsibility
Mike Ferguson: “But it doesn’t give him permission to do what he did… Not all of those individuals grow up to be killers.” [66:34]
Timestamps for Significant Segments
- 04:53 – Case introduction: The murders of Angela Brasso and Melanie Bernas
- 10:11–10:41 – Details of Brasso’s discovery, mutilation, and the brutality of the crime
- 13:45–14:35 – Theories on killer’s surgical precision and background
- 16:43–17:30 – Forensic genealogy leads to Bryan Patrick Miller
- 21:53–23:36 – Miller’s “Zombie Hunter” persona
- 29:46 – DNA match, arrest, and initial interviews
- 31:28–33:08 – Search of Miller’s home and ex-wife interviews
- 47:04–47:34 – Suspicions of other cases
- 49:00–56:18 – Trial: defense, psychological testimony, and verdict
- 54:22 – Miller’s courtroom statement
- 57:56–60:07 – Miller’s post-conviction interviews/denials
- 66:34–69:17 – Reflection on trauma and culpability
The Hosts’ Tone & Final Thoughts
Ferguson and Gibson are respectful of the victims and their families, deliberate in their handling of violent and disturbing details, and occasionally inject dry humor to lighten the weight of the topic. They express skepticism about Miller’s insanity claims, and reinforce the pattern of violence and sexual gratification in his crimes. They end by emphasizing how abuse in childhood does not excuse murder, and reflect on the incompleteness and horror of Miller’s legacy with empathy for those he harmed.
Summary
This episode of True Crime All The Time offers a thorough, unflinching narrative of Bryan Patrick Miller’s journey from troubled youth to the infamous Zombie Hunter whose horrific crimes haunted Phoenix for decades. The hosts skillfully navigate the grisly facts, psychological theories, forensic breakthroughs, and unanswered questions, providing listeners a comprehensive understanding of both the man behind the persona and the devastating impact of his actions.