Landlord Found Guilty of Woodland Murder
A jury convicted 67-year-old Ricky Dean Miller of murdering his tenant and hiding the body in a barrel.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Financial Crime
Ricky Dean Miller was found guilty of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains in the death of 71-year-old Dennis Eugene Schmitt. Authorities discovered the victim's body on Miller's property in Woodland.
Why it matters
The conviction brings a conclusion to the case involving the death of a tenant found on his landlord's property. The judicial process will continue with a sentencing hearing later this month.
The jury delivered guilty verdicts for second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains following a trial. The court has scheduled the sentencing hearing for October 29.
The players
Ricky Dean Miller
The 67-year-old defendant was the landlord of the victim and was found guilty of murder.
Dennis Eugene Schmitt
The 71-year-old victim was a tenant of the defendant and was found deceased on the property.
The details
Police were alerted after a family member called 911 when Miller admitted to killing a person and concealing the body. Detectives subsequently discovered the remains of Dennis Eugene Schmitt inside a barrel at a property on the 3600 block of Old Lewis River Road, with an autopsy confirming the cause of death as blunt-force trauma and strangulation.
Timeline
Ricky Dean Miller was arrested on December 16, 2025.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 29, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard procedural framework for felony prosecution in Washington state courts. Sentencing for the conviction will align with the mandatory guidelines prescribed for second-degree murder convictions.
The resolution of this trial provides closure to the Woodland community regarding the violent incident on Old Lewis River Road. Residents can anticipate the next step in the judicial process at the upcoming October sentencing.
The takeaway
The case highlights the importance of timely reporting by witnesses when suspicious activity or admissions of violence occur. Authorities continue to process the case through the county justice system following the jury's verdict.
What happens next
A sentencing hearing for Ricky Dean Miller is set for October 29, 2026.
Further reading
For additional updates on local legal proceedings, visit Financial Crime.
