The Phoenix canal murders were heinous crimes that remained unsolved for over 20 years. Two young women were killed while riding their bikes along the canal in Phoenix, Arizona. However, thanks to advancements in DNA and genetic genealogy, investigators were finally able to make a breakthrough in the case. Bryan Patrick Miller, a divorced father known as the Zombie Hunter, became the prime suspect. He was a local celebrity who participated in parades and festivals. Detectives just needed a DNA sample from Miller to either prove his guilt or eliminate him as a suspect.
The murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas were particularly brutal. Brosso, who had recently moved to Phoenix, was out for an evening bike ride when she was viciously killed on the eve of her 22nd birthday. Her torso was found in a field next to the bike trail, and her head was later discovered preserved on a grate.
Ten months later, Bernas, a 17-year-old student, went on a bike ride and never returned. Her body was found in the canal, dressed in a teal bodysuit. Both women had been sexually assaulted, and the DNA evidence confirmed they were victims of the same perpetrator.
These murders instilled fear in the Phoenix community for many years. Parents were afraid to let their children out after dark due to the gruesome details of the crimes. The case received significant media attention, and people hoped for justice as the investigation dragged on without any arrests.
Investigators collected male DNA from both crime scenes, but it took more than two decades for them to make a breakthrough. The use of DNA and genetic genealogy finally led them to Bryan Patrick Miller, who emerged as the prime suspect.
