Arthur Miller, 34, Says He Murdered, Robbed His Father, March 1, 1921

Winston-Salem, March 1—Arthur Miller, 34, confessed to officers after his arrest last afternoon that he was guilty of killing and robbing his father, John W. Miller, the aged man who was found dead Sunday morning at his home near Friedberg, eight miles south of this city.

According to the son’s confession he slew his father in self defense. He claims that he and a man named Painter were at the store of Deputy Sheriff Crouch near Friedburg Saturday afternoon and that they were talking with the senior J.W. Miller; that after Painter left Arthur asked his father for the loan of $40 or $50. His father declined saying that he could not spare the money. He followed the father home and insisted upon the loan with which to pay a debt.

Arthur alleges that his father became engaged and exclaimed “we’ll put an end to this matter right now,” that his father grabbed a chair and drew back as if to strike. The son then grabbed a mattock and slew his father, after which he searched his pockets and took $153. Besides a small amount of cash in his pockets, the officers found about $140 in the son’s left sock.

Arthur Miller has been a resident of his city for a year and so far as known has never been in any trouble before. He was locked up awaiting further investigation. John W. Miller, who was a widower, lived alone and last week sold his home place and farm.

From the Hickory Daily Record, Tuesday evening, March 1, 1921