During his recent arraignment hearing, alleged murderer Steven Russell Miller entered a dual plea of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity on all counts. The defendant also denied the special allegations.
Miller faces charges in the shooting death of his daughter, Hannah Welch, in Hidden Valley Lake in May of 2017. Last month, the Lake County Superior Court found sufficient cause to believe him guilty of murder.
In addition to murder, Miller faces a charge of exhibiting a weapon.
The fatal incident took place on the evening of May 30 of last year in a home in the 18000 block of Spyglass Drive. According to Lake County Sheriff’s Office reports, Miller left the residence after allegedly firing on Welch and hitting her at least once.
The matter is set for a hearing on the doctor’s reports on March 13 at 8:15 a.m. in Department 4.
Brown now ready for trial
After receiving and considering reports from three physicians, the court determined that Joshua Caleb Brown is competent to stand trial.
The Kelseyville man allegedly fired toward Caltrans workers and law enforcement officers during a standoff last summer that closed Highway 29 and brought SWAT teams to the scene. Authorities believe the incident began with a dispute with Brown’s neighbor over driveway access to the highway.
The case had been put on hold for months as doctors evaluated Brown’s competence to stand trial. Initially, the court found that he was unable to fully understand criminal proceedings against him. The first doctor’s report furthered the delay, as it provided conflicting results.
Brown is charged with three counts of assault with a firearm on a peace officer, and two counts of threats to commit a crime. He was also charged with possessing a firearm, two counts of discharging firearm negligently, and person prohibited in possession of ammunition.
He had entered pleas of not guilty to all counts.
The Jury Trial will take place May 9 at 8:15 a.m. in a department yet to be announced.
