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 2nd 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
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 2nd 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