JUSTICE IN DEATH OF KATRINA SURVIVOR

Eric "Little E" Miller Sentenced to Life Plus 5 in Murder of former New Orleans Hero

Defendant Eric "Little E." Miller has been sentenced to life in prison plus five years after a Fulton County jury convicted Miller of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the murder of Hurricane Katrina survivor Luther Williams on July 21, 2006.

The murder occurred in the Forest Cove Apartment Complex across the street from the Thomasville Heights housing complex. "Little E" and Williams were arguing over money outside the apartment building when "Little E" pulled out a handgun and fired into the ground. Witnesses testified Williams ran and "Little E" chased him, shooting, even as children were playing in the area. After Williams tripped and fell, the defendant stopped, took aim and shot the victim one time in the back of the head. The murder was committed in front of a five-year-old child. She knew the victim as "Uncle Luther" because they had all escaped the hurricane together.

During the trial Williams was described as a hero for helping several children to escape floodwaters by placing them in an open refrigerator and swimming out of the area while pushing the refrigerator before him. Fulton County Senior Assistant District Attorney Eric Dunaway, who prosecuted the case, told the jury during his closing argument that "Williams survived Hurricane Katrina, but could not survive "Little E."

The case was tried before Fulton Superior Court Judge T. Jackson Bedford. Senior ADA Laura Janssen assisted Dunaway in prosecuting the case. It was investigated by APD Homicide Detective Danny Agan Jr. and Bernadette Hernandez of the Fulton County DA Investigations Unit. Monique Massey of the DA's Victim Witness Unit assisted the victim's family and those called to testify in the case.

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404.730.6860 (office); 770.597.6963 (cell); lyn.vaughn@co.fulton.ga.us