2025-03-18

Amarillo police say man arrested in woman's death faces new charge of abuse of corpse

The Amarillo Police Department said Tuesday that a suspect, who was arrested after a woman was found dead wrapped in plastic in an alley, now faces a charge of abuse of a corpse while autopsy and toxicology results remain pending.

APD said Ronald Milles, 67, was identified as a person of interest in the case of the woman found dead, who was identified as 65-year-old Elizabeth Ann Duckworth.

"A big thank you to our Amarillo community for the assistance in locating Milles. This investigation is ongoing," Amarillo police had said in the update after seeking the public's help.

Milles was located, interviewed, and booked into the Randall County Detention Center on an unrelated charge March 13. Shortly after his release, he was arrested by APD SWAT officers on a bond forfeiture warrant, police said.

Following that arrest, Milles was "re-interviewed by homicide investigators and subsequently charged with the offense of abuse of a corpse. He has been booked into the Potter County Detention Center, where he will await further proceedings," APD said.

The APD homicide unit is currently awaiting the final toxicology and autopsy reports related to the case, and additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

According to previous reports, homicide investigators and CSI were sent to the scene at about 2:49 p.m. March 11, where Amarillo officers found an unidentified dead woman wrapped in plastic in an alley near Center and Alabama streets. Witnesses also told police the body may have been put in a stroller and pushed around the neighborhood.

Those with information that may assist in this investigation are asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 806-378-9468.

Police will provide updates as more information becomes available.