A26-31 - Kidnapping - Domestic Violence Arrest (Photo) - 01/07/26

PRESS RELEASE

A26-31

KIDNAPPING-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST

On January 1, 2026, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a domestic violence incident that occurred on December 31, 2025.  The incident reportedly began with a domestic dispute at a residence in the 200 block of Green Mountain Ln, Kalama.  Deputies were advised that while at a New Year's Eve gathering at this location, 23-year-old resident Hunter Scott Minton became intoxicated and belligerent.  Minton’s girlfriend and another female subject at the residence hid in a bathroom during the dispute, out of fear for their safety.

Minton’s girlfriend told deputies she attempted to leave, but Minton forcibly pulled her out of her vehicle against her will.  She was then able to get Minton to leave with her in the vehicle.  About five minutes after driving away from the residence, Minton reportedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and threatened to kill himself if she did not let him drive.  Minton allegedly threatened to harm his girlfriend if she contacted law enforcement.  Based on Minton’s intoxication and threats while armed with a firearm, the victim did not feel free to leave and felt her life was in imminent danger.

The victim then allowed Minton to drive the vehicle, and he proceeded to Woodland.  At one point, Minton reportedly exited the vehicle and made threats to return home and kill his whole family.  Deputies obtained surveillance videos from Woodland businesses, confirming the timeline reported by the victim.  One employee recalled seeing Minton behaving erratically and told deputies the victim appeared to be in distress.  The victim eventually dropped Minton off at a hotel in Vancouver.  Deputies noted the victim had visible bruises, consistent with her report.  Deputies were unable to locate Minton on January 1^st, but family members confirmed he carried a .45-caliber pistol.

On January 6, 2026, deputies located Minton at his residence on Green Mountain Ln and took him into custody.  Deputies served a search warrant and recovered a .45-caliber pistol matching the description given by the victim.

Hunter Minton was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Kidnapping 2^nd Degree, Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission 2^nd Degree, Felony Harassment, Interfering with Domestic Violence Reporting, Assault 4^th Degree, and Reckless Endangerment – all Domestic Violence charges.

Troy Brightbill

Chief Criminal Deputy

Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

A25-29565 - Homicide Investigation, Press Release 2 (Photo) - 12/23/25

PRESS RELEASE 2

A25-29565 HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

DECEMBER 23, 2025

At 1853 hours of December 16, 2025, Cowlitz 911 received a report of suspicious circumstances in the 3600 block of Old Lewis River Rd, Woodland.  The reporting party stated they had just spoken with a family member, identified as Ricky Dean Miller, age 67, who reportedly said he had killed someone.  Miller resides at the Old Lewis River Rd address and reportedly said that the victim’s body was hidden on his property.

Deputies with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and contacted Miller.  Detectives obtained a search warrant for Miller’s property and located a deceased male subject, identified as 71-year-old Dennis Eugene Schmitt.  Schmitt’s body had been hidden inside a barrel on the property.  Miller was reportedly Schmitt’s landlord, with the two parties living in separate residences on Miller’s property.

An autopsy was conducted on December 19, 2025.  Forensic examination determined Schmitt had multiple blunt-force injuries to the head and evidence of strangulation.

Ricky Miller was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Murder 2^nd Degree and Unlawful Disposal of Human Remains.  The Sheriff’s Office requests anyone with information about this case to contact Detective James Hanberry at 360-577-3092.

Troy Brightbill

Chief Criminal Deputy

Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office

A25-29565 - Homicide Investigation, Woodland, Washington (Photo) - 12/17/25

PRESS RELEASE

A25-29565 HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

DECEMBER 17, 2025

At 1853 hours of December 16, 2025, Cowlitz 911 received a report of suspicious circumstances in the 3600 block of Old Lewis River Rd, Woodland.  The reporting party stated they had just spoken with a family member, identified as Ricky Dean Miller, age 67, who reportedly said he had killed someone.  Miller resides at the Old Lewis River Rd address and reportedly told the reporting party that the victim’s body was hidden on his property.

Deputies with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and contacted Miller.  Detectives obtained a search warrant for Miller’s property and located a deceased male subject, who was known to Miller, hidden on Miller’s property. 

Ricky Miller was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Murder 2^nd Degree and Unlawful Disposal of Human Remains.  The identity of the victim will not be released at this time as the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office is still attempting to contact their next of kin. 

This is an active investigation – no further details are available for release at this time.  The Sheriff’s Office requests anyone with information about this case to contact Detective James Hanberry at 360-577-3092.

Troy Brightbill

Chief Criminal Deputy

Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office