St. Louis Major Case Squad Investigations

MCS Report #504

Classification: Homicide

Requesting Agency: Collinsville Police Department

Date of Activation: 04/23/2012

Commander and Department: Maj. David Roth, Collinsville PD

Deputy Report Officer and Department: Lt. Richard Wittenauer, Collinsville PD

Deputy Report Officer and Department: Dep. Chief Craig Coughlin, Swansea PD

Victim: Russell O. Miller

Suspects: Timothy J. Hillyer and Jeffrey L. Sminchak

The Collinsville Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Russell Miller (age 55). On 04-23-2012 at approximately 3:50pm, police officers responded to the 900 block of St. Clair Court for a report of a body found. Russell Miller’s body was located behind his residence after he was reported missing on 04-15-2012.

As a result of this investigation, the following criminal charges were issued against Miller’s roommates:

  • Timothy Hillyer (age 49) - Concealment of Homicidal Death - Bond $250,000

  • Jeffrey Sminchak (age 55) - Obstructing Justice - Bond $25,000

"Squad Membership is Regarded Not Only as a Honor, but as an Opportunity. It is Police Work at its Purest."

- St. Louis Post-Dispatch Sunday, March 7, 1982

MAJOR CASE SQUAD OF GREATER ST. LOUIS
1700 N Hwy 67
Florissant, Missouri 63031
(314) 831-7000
ST. LOUIS REGIONAL CRIMESTOPPERS
1-866-371-TIPS (8477)Visit Site
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting multi-agency homicide investigations across the St. Louis region.
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