KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A man who investigators said fatally shot two police officers earlier this year appeared in court Tuesday afternoon for a pre-trial hearing.
Everett Miller is accused of shooting Kissimmee police Officer Matthew Baxter and Sgt. Sam Howard on Aug. 18.
Prosecutors recently filed several new documents related to Miller’s military history as evidence in the case.
Miller is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who separated from service in 2010, officials said.
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After leaving the Marines, Miller began working as a military image analyst who helped identify targets for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Tara Bracy, Miller’s ex-girlfriend, told detectives that it was that job that triggered Miller’s downward spiral, records said.
“I think a structure got blown up,” Bracy said. “There might have been some children in there or something. That bothered him.”
Miller had been given medication for post-traumatic stress disorder, but Bracy said she saw him throw away the pills.
Miller is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the case.
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During Tuesday's hearing, he waived his right to a speedy trial to give his attorney more time to prepare his defense.
Miller's attorney, J. Edwin Mills, told the court that there was information he was still trying to obtain in the case.
"One big factor, I think, in the case is mental health records," Mills said. "I don't think we've got all of those yet."
Miller's trial had been scheduled for Jan. 8, but Mills recommended that the date be pushed back to mid-2019.
Cox Media Group
