Suspect in editor's murder arraigned

CLAYTON, Mo. -- The suspect in the murder of former St. Louis Post-Dispatch editor Nancy Miller was arraigned Monday on four charges.

Brian Michael Walters, 27, is charged with murder, rape, burglary and armed criminal action.

At his hearing in St. Louis County, Walters entered a plea of not guilty and asked for a public defender. KMOV-TV reported that Walters has been placed on suicide watch, and that he appeared slightly disoriented during the hearing, yawning when charges were read.

Miller, who retired from the newspaper in June, was found dead about 6 p.m. Friday after friends and relatives became concerned at not being able to reach her.

Prosecutor Bob McCulloch said Walters entered Miller's condo unlawfully, intending to burglarize it. Miller surprised Walters; he then allegedly attacked her and raped her before fatally stabbing her.

McCulloch said the suspect had been released from a Missouri prison about 10 days before, after serving time for burglary. He had been staying with his parents in Miller's neighborhood.

McCulloch said a neighbor directed police toward Walters.

Walters is jailed without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 19.

Miller had been at the Post nearly 30 years, as a copy editor, St. Charles bureau chief, suburban editor, assistant metro editor and Lifestyle editor. Since retirement, she had been working with journalism students at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park.