Maricopa County, Arizona (TCD) — A judge has convicted a 50-year-old man of kidnapping, murdering and mutilating two young women nearly 30 years ago along a canal in Arizona.

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced its verdict on April 11, after a six-month bench trial. Judge Suzanne Cohen has found Brian Patrick Miller guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of attempted sexual assault in connection with the deaths of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.

Prosecutors filed for the death penalty in May 2015, and the statement said the court would move to that stage next.

According to the Arizona RepublicBrosso, 22, and Bernas, 17, were killed in November 1992 and September 1993, respectively. Both women were reportedly cycling near a canal when Miller, then 20, fatally stabbed each victim in the back.

Investigators found Brosso’s naked, decapitated and mutilated body in a field near her apartment, with trails of blood. Authorities found her head in the Arizona Canal 11 days later.

According to the Arizona Republic, investigators found Bernas’ body floating in the water with the letters “WSC” engraved on his chest.

Miller was arrested in 2015, more than 20 years after he reportedly mutilated and sexually assaulted the woman before and after her death.

According to the Arizona Republic, Miller’s sperm was recovered from vaginal swabs taken from each victim and their clothing, the Arizona Republic reports.

According to the Arizona Republic, prosecutors alleged that Miller watched violent pornography and engaged in BDSM sex with his ex-wife. reportedly said that she had a bodysuit for Bernath after her death.

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said: “This verdict in the murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas took decades of work by law enforcement and prosecutors.

Mitchell continued, “After more than 20 years of anguish, these women’s families now have someone to blame for their heinous murders.

more: