Jury selection is currently underway in the trial of Matthew Steven Miller, who is being tried for first degree murder in the Boone County courthouse.

Miller, 36, of Ridgeview, was indicted on

charges of the premeditated killing of Richard

Turner, of Julian.

According to the criminal complaint filed in the Magistrate Court of Boone County at the time of his arrest, Miller allegedly began beating Turner in the head and face with a wooden stick while at Turner’s home.

Injuries Turner received from the attack caused

the man’s death, according to court documents.

According to the complaint, Miller gave a confession to the crime to law enforcement officials.

The crime occurred July 4, 2008.

At the time of the arrest, Miller was already on bond for malicious wounding and had amassed

several charges of violent activity on record in the Boone County court system.

Deputy M.D. Foster, of the Boone County

Sheriff’s Office was the arresting officer in 2008.

Since that time, a grand jury has found cause for the case to go forward to trial.

This past Monday, Tuesday and possibly continuing into Wednesday, presiding Judge Hoke, State prosecutors and defense counsel are in the midst of selecting a jury to hear the trial.

Continue reading the Coal Valley News web site

for updates on this trial as it progresses in the coming weeks.

To reach Joanie Newman, call 304-369-1165 or

email jnewman@coalvalleynews.com.