Miller found guilty of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence in connection with death of Betty Hayes

PARIS, Mo. – A Monroe County jury took a little more than 10 hours to find Lyle Miller guilty of second-degree murder in the 2023 death of Betty Hayes.

The seven-women, five-men panel made a couple of requests to review evidence they had seen during the presentation of the case. They had the option to choose between first and second-degree murder and took the latter. They also found him guilty of tampering with evidence.

Sentencing was set for May 9 where Miller could get up to 30 years in prison.

Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Nicole Volkert said she believed the testimony of Miller’s prior acts of violence against Hayes helped bring the jury to the guilty verdicts. In her portion of the closing argument, she stressed that Miller had previously “laid hands” on Hayes.

“We are really pleased today that we saw the system work and that we’ve had justice for Betty Hayes and closure for her family,” Volkert said.

Judge Rick Tucker polled the jurors who all confirmed their unanimous decision. He thanked them for their service and said they conducted their business in a very professional manner. They were excused and given a 10-minute head start to leave the courthouse as to avoid any potential conflicts with someone who may not have agreed with their decision.

Defense attorney Jeff Hilbrenner left the courthouse without giving comment. Miller was shipped back to the Randolph County Jail in Moberly to await his sentencing.

Mike Hayes, Betty’s son, left the courthouse with tears in his eyes and said it was too soon for him or anyone in his family to discuss what had just transpired.