A landlord’s alleged confession has cracked open a disturbing homicide case in rural Washington state. 67-year-old Ricky Dean Miller is now charged with second-degree murder after the body of his 71-year-old tenant, Dennis Eugene Schmitt, was discovered concealed in a barrel on Miller’s Cowlitz County property. The savagel details of the assault and the isolated nature of the rental arrangement highlight the extreme vulnerabilities faced by elderly tenants in private, rural settings.
Story Highlights
- 67-year-old landlord Ricky Dean Miller charged with second-degree murder after allegedly killing 71-year-old tenant Dennis Eugene Schmitt.
- Victim’s body discovered hidden in barrel on Miller’s Cowlitz County property following family tip to 911.
- Autopsy revealed multiple blunt-force head injuries and evidence of strangulation.
- Case exposes vulnerabilities of elderly tenants living on landlord’s property with minimal oversight.
Family Member’s Report Triggers Investigation
The investigation began December 16, 2024, when Miller’s relative contacted Cowlitz County 911 at 6:53 p.m., reporting that Miller had admitted to killing someone and hiding the body on his Old Lewis River Road property near Woodland. This family member’s decision to report the alleged confession demonstrates the critical role citizen reporting plays in exposing cruel crimes. Deputies immediately responded to the rural property, secured a search warrant, and located Schmitt’s remains concealed inside a barrel.
In Cowlitz County, Washington, 67-year-old landlord Ricky Dean Miller has been charged with second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains after allegedly killing his 71-year-old tenant Dennis Eugene Schmitt via head injuries and strangulation, then hiding the body…
— SafeStan Landlord Reviews (@SafestanSupport) December 28, 2025
Forensic Evidence Reveals Atrocious Attack
The December 19 autopsy conducted by the medical examiner’s office painted a disturbing picture of cruelty. Forensic analysis revealed multiple blunt-force injuries to Schmitt’s head along with evidence of strangulation, indicating a prolonged and vicious assault. These dual mechanisms of injury suggest extreme cruelty that goes beyond a simple dispute, raising questions about what could have escalated to such viciousness between a landlord and his elderly tenant.
Rural Property Dynamics Create Vulnerability
Miller and Schmitt lived in separate residences on the same rural property, a living arrangement that created isolation and reduced oversight typical in more conventional rental situations. This setup gave Miller significant control over his tenant’s environment while providing fewer opportunities for neighbors or authorities to observe concerning behavior. The remote location on Old Lewis River Road meant limited visibility and witness presence, factors that may have emboldened criminal behavior and delayed discovery of the crime.
Charges Reflect Serious Criminal Conduct
Miller faces second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains charges, currently held at Cowlitz County Jail. The unlawful disposal charge specifically addresses the barrel concealment method, which prosecutors can use to demonstrate consciousness of guilt and deliberate efforts to obstruct justice. Under Washington state law, second-degree murder involves intentional killing without premeditation, and the forensic evidence of multiple trauma types strengthens the prosecution’s case regarding Miller’s intent and the cruel nature of the attack.
This case serves as a stark reminder that elderly Americans living in informal rental arrangements on private property face unique vulnerabilities that traditional tenant protections may not address. The power imbalance between property owners and older renters, especially in rural settings, can create dangerous situations where disputes escalate without proper intervention mechanisms or community oversight to protect vulnerable individuals.
Watch the report: Woodland landlord accused of killing tenant, hiding body in barrel on property
Sources:
- Landlord accused of killing tenant, hiding body in barrel on Cowlitz Co. property
- Cowlitz County landlord arrested for murder after allegedly admitting to killing tenant
- Landlord Charged with Murder After Body of a Man, Who Was Reported Missing by His Sister, Is Discovered in a Barrel
