From The Southern Illinoisan, utilized here via the Fair Use Act.
Murphysboro, IL - A man who lured a woman to his home and assaulted her, and then blew up his home, is now dead.
Murphysboro Police responded after a 911 call reporting a battery complaint in the 1500 block of Oak Street this morning, Friday, November 29, at around 1 a.m.
Thomas Allan Miller, 54, reportedly lured a woman to his home, and then proceeded to beat her about the head with some form of hammer. The victim then fled Miller’s residence and call 911. She was taken to a local hospital for her injuries.
After the woman, who has been identified as Brandi Holderfield, 28, had reported the incident to dispatch, officers quickly arrived on the scene.
Miller called dispatch, but at the time did not report his identity, as police approached his home to talk to him about the attack. Miller told dispatch that if police came near his home, he would blow it up. Miller had already proceeded to fill his home with natural gas.
Officers reported that the smell of gas was already very evident. Officers attempted to make contact with Miller without entering the home, contacting him via cell phone. The officers attempted to get Miller to stand down, but to no avail. Miller threatened the officers with a firearm, and told them that he had a loaded shotgun. The police then backed away from the house.
Reportedly, a fire started somewhere within the home, and within a minute an explosion blew out the windows of the home. A second explosion occurred just a short time following the initial explosion.
The fire quickly spread throughout the house, and firefighters worked to push back the flames. Firefighters entered the home, and found Miller lying in the floor.
Miller was transported to St. Joseph’s Memorial Hospital and pronounced dead.