The North Carolina Court of Appeals has upheld the convictions of Michael Legage Miller, Jr., for three counts of first-degree murder. The court ruled on September 16, 2026, that Miller's trial was fair and free from prejudicial errors, despite his claims of several trial mistakes. This ruling is significant as it confirms the jury's decision in a case involving a brutal double homicide and the murder of an unborn child.
The case began on November 8, 2020, when police responded to a report of a pregnant woman in distress at a residence in Pender County. Upon arrival, officers found Destiny Greene suffering from a gunshot wound and later discovered the body of William Coley in the woods nearby. Both victims died from gunshot wounds to the head, and the investigation took over six months before authorities identified Miller as a suspect.
Miller's legal troubles escalated when he was arrested in May 2021, following a tip-off that linked him to the crime. Evidence collected during the investigation included DNA from a car owned by Miller's girlfriend and testimonies from witnesses, including his half-brother, who implicated him in the murders. Miller faced a jury trial in late 2023, where he was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
During the trial, Miller raised multiple arguments on appeal, including claims that the trial court improperly denied his motion to suppress evidence obtained from a search warrant, allowed the State to use extrinsic evidence to impeach a witness, and admitted expert testimony that he believed was inadmissible. Miller also contended that the trial court erred by instructing the jury on the burden of proof regarding third-party guilt.
In its ruling, the court addressed each of Miller's claims. The court found that the trial court did not err in denying Miller's motion to suppress evidence from his girlfriend's cell phone, stating that he lacked standing to challenge the seizure. The court also ruled that the trial court acted within its discretion by allowing the State to use video evidence of witness interviews to impeach witness credibility. Judge Julee Flood, writing for the court, stated, "Defendant received a fair trial free from prejudicial error." However, the court did find that the trial court erred by entering a civil judgment for attorneys' fees without giving Miller a chance to be heard, leading to a remand for a new hearing on that issue.
This ruling has significant implications for Miller and the victims' families. It confirms that the evidence presented during the trial was sufficient to uphold the convictions, ensuring that Miller will serve his life sentences. The decision also reinforces the legal standards for evidence admission and witness testimony in criminal trials, which could influence future cases with similar circumstances.
Looking ahead, Miller's legal team may seek further appeals, particularly concerning the civil judgment for attorneys' fees. The court's ruling allows for the possibility of readdressing that issue in a lower court. However, the core convictions for murder remain intact, and Miller's future in the criminal justice system appears bleak.