HENDERSON COUNTY, TX - A Henderson County jury sentenced 60-year-old Lawrence William Miller to life in prison Friday afternoon after finding him guilty of Assault Family Violence with a Previous Conviction. The three-day trial was held in the 3rd District Court before visiting District Judge Edwin Klein.
The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenny Palmer and Assistant District Attorney Aaron Lilly.
Jurors heard testimony that on February 27, 2025, officers with the Gun Barrel City Police Department responded to a home on East Acres after a woman called requesting an ambulance. When officers arrived, they heard a disturbance inside the residence. Officers and EMS personnel entered the home and found Miller and the victim, who was struggling to stand. She had a large black eye, visible bruising, and appeared to be in significant pain.
Both Miller and the victim initially told officers she had fallen. However, once alone with EMS personnel, the victim stated that Miller had kicked her repeatedly in the face and body and threatened to kill her over the course of several hours.
Officers testified they had been dispatched to the same home multiple times in the previous year. Amanda Cooper of Breaking Chains testified as an expert witness, explaining why many domestic violence victims may feel unable to leave abusive relationships or may appear uncooperative with law enforcement or prosecutors.
During the punishment phase, jurors learned of Miller’s extensive criminal history. He had recently been released on parole for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Assault Family Violence. He also previously served a prison sentence in Texas for Retaliation, as well as sentences in California and Maryland.
A prior survivor testified that in 2016 Miller beat and strangled her in Tarrant County. A former roommate of the Henderson County victim testified he had witnessed Miller choke the victim until she lost consciousness. A neighbor also testified to calling police after hearing the victim scream for help.
After hearing the evidence, the jury deliberated less than 20 minutes before returning a life sentence.
District Attorney Palmer said, “Domestic violence is so often unreported or the family dynamics makes it very difficult to prosecute. I am so proud of these survivors coming forward and testifying against their abuser. Our community — law enforcement, prosecution, Breaking Chains, and neighbors and family members of the survivor — came together to make sure that Miller never hurts anyone again.”
