Justice Prevails: 'Zombie Hunter' Bryan Miller Convicted in Decades-Old Phoenix Serial Murders

After more than three decades, a chilling chapter in Phoenix's history has finally reached a pivotal conclusion. Bryan Patrick Miller, infamously dubbed the 'Zombie Hunter,' has been found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the brutal, cold-case slayings of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.

This verdict, delivered by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Susanna Salter, brings a long-awaited measure of justice and closure to the victims' families, who have endured an agonizing wait since the early 1990s.

The horrific crimes date back to a time when fear gripped the community. Angela Brosso, just 22 years old, was found stabbed multiple times and partially clothed near the Arizona Canal in September 1990.

Her bicycle lay discarded nearby, a silent testament to the terror she faced. Three years later, in September 1993, 17-year-old Melanie Bernas suffered a strikingly similar fate. Her body, also found near the canal, bore the same chilling hallmarks of extreme violence, including numerous stab wounds.

For years, these cases remained unsolved, haunting investigators and leaving families in limbo.

The breakthrough arrived in 2015, a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice and the advancements in forensic science. A new DNA push, utilizing burgeoning genealogical databases, led investigators directly to Miller. At the time of his arrest, Miller, then working at a restaurant, was identified as the elusive suspect whose DNA had been a match to crucial evidence found at both crime scenes, particularly semen samples.

Miller's first trial in 2018 ended in a mistrial, a frustrating setback with a hung jury leaning 10-2 for conviction.

However, prosecutors remained steadfast. In the recent bench trial, Judge Salter meticulously reviewed the evidence, which painted a damning picture. Miller, who was 29 at the time of the murders, was known to frequent goth clubs and had an unsettling fascination with a 'vampire' or 'zombie hunter' persona.

Prosecutors meticulously detailed how he used a large hunting knife in both attacks, leaving a trail of terror and grief.

The families of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas have been unwavering in their quest for answers. Following the verdict, their profound relief was palpable. They expressed immense gratitude for the dedicated efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors who never gave up.

This conviction, while it cannot bring their loved ones back, marks a crucial step toward healing and accountability.

The legal journey for Bryan Patrick Miller is not yet complete. The court will now proceed to an aggravation hearing, where Judge Salter will determine whether to sentence him to the death penalty, sought by the prosecution, or life in prison.

Regardless of the final sentence, the verdict stands as a powerful reminder that even after decades, justice can and will be served for victims and their families.