Crime Fighters Honored By Family Of Slain Spartanburg Man

Last March--two men were sentenced to 30 years each, for the murder of a man, whose remains have never been found.

Darryl "Preach" Miller was last seen in July 2005.

Investigators in Spartanburg County arrested Leon Jones and David Carson more than three years after the crime--saying they robbed and shot Miller.

Monday night, those who never gave up on justice were honored for bringing justice to Miller's family.

Sgt. Jay Steadman with Spartanburg's Public Safety followed every lead.

And Solicitor Barry Barnette helped send the two killers to jail.

They received a plaque for their dedication to the case--which took more than three years to come to a head.

Roxanne Bradley, the victim's sister says, the Sgt. "followed up on everything."

And Barnette, "Was always honest...it was a difficult case....because of his skill...he was able to get both convictions and we're grateful for that."

Sadly, although there were convictions in that case, "Preach" Miller's body has yet to be found all these years later.

The Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office says there are at least 40 cold cases in the county that remain unsolved, not counting city cases.

The Solicitor says families of unsolved crimes should be patient, and not give up hope the crime will be solved, sometimes--many years later.

Previous Story:

March 2010

David Carson, 43, and Leon Jones, 46, were found guilty of the murder of Darryl Miller, 35, Wednesday, according to a release from the Solicitor’s Office.

Miller – last seen leaving his Sunny Street home -- was killed in 2005. His body was never recovered.

Police filed charges against Carson and Jones in 2008.

The release states traces of Miller’s blood was found inside Carson’s car. Carson told police Miller was shot during a robbery on the south side of Spartanburg and he drove him to the hospital, according to the release.

The Solicitor’s Office states Carson told police he couldn’t get anyone to help Miller at the hospital and fell asleep with Miller’s body in the car.

Jones admitted to killing Miller during a police interview, according to the release.

Carson admitted to helping dispose of the body but denied any involvement in the murder. He tried to help police find the body but was unsuccessful.

Both Jones and Carson received 30-year sentences for the crime.

They are not eligible for parole.