PHOENIX — The man accused of killing a woman and a female teenager in the 1990s has been found guilty by a Maricopa County Superior Court judge.
Bryan Patrick Miller waived his right to a jury trial, so the case was heard by a judge. The judge disagreed with the defense's argument that Miller could not be found guilty by reason of insanity.
Miller was also found guilty on counts of kidnapping and attempted sexual assault.
The bodies of Melanie Bernas, 21, and Angela Brosso, 17, were found in the Arizona Canal near Metrocenter Mall in 1993 and 1992, respectively. Miller was accused of the crime after DNA linked him to both deaths in 2015.
Miller's attorneys did not deny that Miller killed both women, but claimed an insanity defense. They said Miller does not remember the attacks and was abused by his mother as a child. According to their arguments, Miller had developed a complex dissociative disorder in response to early childhood trauma.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said she's relieved that the families of the victims can finally experience some solace now that Miller has been convicted.
“This verdict in the murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Burnas took decades of work by law enforcement and prosecutors,” Mitchell said in a statement. “After more than two decades of anguish, the families of these women now have someone held accountable for their heinous murders.”
This is a developing story. Tune in to 12News for the latest information.
Latest Arizona news
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.