Local man faces military trial
The military trial of a former Russellville man charged with attempted murder began Tuesday at the Charleston Air Force Base in Charleston, S.C.
Dustin Andrew Miller, 21, 8850 Dorchester Road, North Charleston, S.C., was a member of the U.S. Air Force Military Police when he was arrested for attempted murder on July 26, 2009, after shooting a Franklin County man in the back.
Miller is accused of shooting 31-year-old Eric Hines, 3095 Franklin 77, Russellville, with a pistol outside Hines’ house in the Mountain Star community.
According to reports, members of Miller’s family and Hines’ family had been involved in an argument. While Miller was home from South Carolina for his grandmother’s funeral, he went over to Hines residence where the altercation occurred.
According to witness statements, Hines appeared to be running away from Miller’s car when a shot was fired from the vehicle, striking Hines in the back.
Miller reportedly left the residence after the shooting and was found at a relative’s house on Franklin 177 in Tharptown where he was interviewed and later arrested.
Hines was flown to Huntsville Hospital and eventually recovered from his injuries.
Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said that representatives of the military began a joint investigation with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department shortly after the incident occurred.
“Because the defendant was an active member of the military when the incident occurred, the military conducted their own investigation and also assisted the sheriff’s department in their investigation,” Rushing said.
“When the investigation was complete, a military representative contacted our office and requested that they be allowed to prosecute the case.
“I contacted the victim and went over the different aspects of a military trial as opposed to a trial held here in the county.”
Rushing said that a military jury is comprised of six officers and six regular military personnel whereas a state trial held here would be composed of regular citizens.
“The victim and his family were completely supportive of the military prosecuting the case and felt that adequate justice would be served,” Rushing said. “The military court has concurrent jurisdiction so I signed an agreement that the state would not prosecute this case.”
Officers with the FCSD are in Charleston to testify at the trial, which is expected to conclude at the end of the week. If convicted of the attempted murder charge, sentencing will immediately follow the verdict and Miller could face up to life in prison.
