A father of three faced murder and arson charges yesterday in connection with the woman whose body was found burnt beyond recognition last week Wednesday in a home in Whites Addition.

Alton Miller, 36, who is of Jamaican descent, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt for allegedly killing his wife and then setting the home ablaze.

According to reports, police discovered the charred remains of the victim identified by relatives and neighbours as Tiffany Miller, 33, following a report of an altercation made by her husband to police at the Wulff Road Police Station shortly before 8 a.m. The victim is the youngest sister of attorney Ian Cargill.

Miller’s attorney Michael Kemp urged the chief magistrate to consider the mental state of his client as he referred to the incident as a “crime of passion” since the accused “walked into his matrimonial bedroom to be confronted by its desecration.”

Mr. Kemp said he believes the matter could have been avoided had police responded to numerous complaints made by family members regarding domestic disputes between the two.

Relatives of the accused, who also suggested that Miller had been suffering from deteriorating mental health, stood in court to detail the frequent cries for help made to priests and a mental health institution even up to the day before the incident.

Mr. Kemp stated that “though he is accused of being responsible for this, there’s another person responsible for his state of mind.” Mrs. Ferguson-Pratt noted that although Miller offered “intelligent responses” during his arraignment yesterday, she will grant Miller the opportunity to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

She stated that the charges will be brought against Miller again on April 28 after her receipt of his medical report.
During the arraignment, Miller was not required to enter a plea. He was remanded to the Sandilands Rehabilitation Center. Miller is expected to appear in court on May 29 for the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment.