Issue date: September 09, 1998
The man accused of committing Atherton's first murder in 48 years has admitted to killing Edward "Red" Colley, the elderly caretaker of the Tinsley estate.
Charles Joseph Miller, 25, a Menlo Park resident and former Menlo-Atherton High School student, confessed to the killing while giving testimony in a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday, September 2, according to Deputy District Attorney Mark Boessenecker.
Mr. Boessenecker asked Mr. Miller directly if he killed Red Colley, and Mr. Miller answered, "Yes."
Mr. Miller is standing trial for the murder of Mr. Colley, 71, and for the murder of Vincent Damante, also 71, of Menlo Park.
The murders of both men allegedly occurred during robberies and burglaries, according to police. A diamond ring and $1,500 were stolen from Mr. Damante's West Menlo Park home, where he was found shot and stabbed to death January 11, 1996.
Jewelry was also taken from the Tinsley estate where Mr. Colley worked as a caretaker. Mr. Colley was found bludgeoned to death, his body set on fire, inside the house on August 19, 1996.
According to an affidavit filed by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, Mr. Miller admitted both killings to deputies shortly after his arrest on September 20, 1996. The pre-trial hearing was held to determine whether Mr. Miller was improperly questioned by officers.
Mr. Miller's admission can be used only to contradict his testimony during the trial, according to Mr. Boessenecker, but may be admissible during the penalty phase of the trial if Mr. Miller is convicted. If he is found guilty, Mr. Miller faces the death penalty.
© 1998 The Almanac. All Rights Reserved.