Eastside Defender

November 17, 2009; Minneapolis: Criminal charges have been filed in the November 14, 2009 stabbing death of Brandon Keeler that occurred in the 10xx block of Lowry Ave NE. Brian Jeffrey Miller (DOB 9/28/1978) has been charged with, MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE (intentional) (felony).

According to the complaint, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of Lowry Ave NE on a report of an unconscious male who had been stabbed. The caller at that address told police that he was awaken by sounds of an altercation that was occurring in his apartment. He left his room and observed, in an enclosed porch area, two silhouettes struggling. He called out to them, the struggling stopped and one of the parties ran down the stairs and out of the house. That was when the caller discovered that the victim had been stabbed and immediately called police. Keeler was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers at the scene were able to determine that the suspect was possibly injured and bleeding because of a blood trail that went away from the victim, down the stairs and outside through the yard.

A couple of hours later, a male, later identified as Brian Jeffrey Miller, showed up at Hennepin County Medical Center with a severe cuts to his right hand and additional wounds to his left hand and face. Officers went to the hospital and detained Miller until investigators could speak with him. When asked what happened, Miller gave a story that he was carjacked and sustained the injuries while fending off the attackers. Miller’s car was subsequently found in a park in Northeast Minneapolis. Inside the car officers found blood like substance in various areas.

During the follow-up investigation, a connection was made after it was learned that Miller was acquainted with both the victim and the 911 caller. Because of prior visits, Miller knew the layout of the victim’s house and who occupied what room. Miller was also living with the victim’s landlord until being displaced approximately one week ago.

Homicide detectives Wallerich, Wehr and patrol officers were able to act quickly in gathering initial information, containing the suspect at the hospital and obtaining pertinent follow-up information that led to these charges being filed. Miller is in custody at the Hennepin County Adult Detention Facility. Bail has been set at $1,000,000.