A Cowlitz County jury found a 67-year-old Woodland man guilty of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of remains after a four-day trial stemming from the death of his longtime tenant, whose body was found inside a 55-gallon barrel on the man’s rural property.
Ricky Dean Miller was found guilty on Thursday, Oct. 8, of second-degree murder with a deadly weapon enhancement and unlawful disposal of remains, according to the Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 29.
The case began in December 2025, when a family member of Miller contacted law enforcement, prompting deputies to investigate his property in the 3600 block of Old Lewis River Road, east of the Lewis River Golf Course.
Authorities found the victim, a 71-year-old man who had lived on the property for about 24 years, inside an orange barrel, according to court records and information presented during the trial.
Miller was arrested and booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of remains. During the investigation, he told detectives he killed the victim around Thanksgiving 2025, according to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
During the trial, jurors heard evidence that Miller and the victim had lived on the same property for more than 20 years but in separate trailers. Prosecutors said tensions between the two preceded the fatal encounter.
Around Thanksgiving, Miller went to the victim’s trailer to address issues between them. The victim was sitting in a reclining chair when Miller entered, according to trial evidence.
A disagreement followed, during which the victim stood up, placed a hand on Miller’s shoulder and told him to leave. Miller then struck the victim
