Murder on the Web: Catfish Gone Wrong!

The internet has provided countless opportunities for connection, but it has also become a breeding ground for deception and manipulation. One such case is the tragic and convoluted story of Jerry Cassaday and Sharee Miller, a tale that underscores the dark potential of online interactions gone horribly wrong.

The Discovery of Jerry Cassaday's Body

On February 11th, 2000, in Odessa, Missouri, Lynn Llewellyn discovered the body of her husband's cousin, 39-year-old Jerry Cassaday, in the basement apartment where he lived on their property. Jerry had been out of sight for several days, a fact that initially did not alarm his family since he often isolated himself when feeling down. However, the growing foul smell emanating from his apartment prompted Lynn to investigate.

Upon descending the stairs, Lynn found Jerry sitting in an armchair, facing the window. Despite calling out to him, Jerry remained unresponsive. As she approached, the smell intensified, and it became apparent that Jerry had died by suicide. The discovery left his family and friends devastated and confused, struggling to understand what had driven him to such despair.

Jerry Cassaday: A Promising Career Cut Short

Jerry Cassaday was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1960, the youngest of four boys. He grew up in a close-knit family, enjoying fishing and other outdoor activities with his brothers. Jerry's mother often spoke of his competitive nature and his desire to excel. As an adult, Jerry pursued a career in law enforcement, quickly rising through the ranks to become a homicide detective.

Jerry married Barbara, a dispatcher at the same department, and they had three children together, two from Barbara's previous marriage and one biological son. For a time, Jerry's life seemed picture-perfect—a successful career and a happy family. However, in 1998, Jerry's life took a drastic turn.

The Whistleblower and the Fallout

In 1998, Jerry discovered that high-ranking officials in the sheriff's department had falsified documents in a murder investigation. Driven by a strong moral compass, Jerry blew the whistle, leading to an internal investigation. While the corrupt officers were eventually fired, Jerry faced severe backlash from his colleagues. He was demoted, written up for minor infractions, and eventually fired.

This professional downfall devastated Jerry. He struggled to find purpose after losing the job he loved and the respect of his peers. He took a job as a security officer at Harrah's Casino and later transferred to a casino in Reno, Nevada. Despite finding some stability, Jerry's personal life continued to unravel. His wife left him, taking their children back to Missouri, and Jerry spiraled into depression, exacerbated by drinking and gambling.

The Catfishing Begins

Desperate for companionship and solace, Jerry turned to the internet, where he met Sharee Miller in an AOL chat room. Sharee, a married woman with three children, quickly became the object of Jerry's affection. The two exchanged hundreds of emails and messages, developing an intense, albeit deceitful, online relationship.

Sharee presented herself as a wealthy businesswoman involved in a lawsuit that would result in a significant payout. She offered Jerry financial support, a prospect that excited him given his precarious situation. Sharee also sent provocative photos and videos, further ensnaring Jerry in her web of lies.

A Web of Lies and Manipulation

In reality, Sharee was far from the wealthy and independent woman she claimed to be. She was married to Bruce Miller, a hardworking man who owned a salvage yard in Flint, Michigan. Bruce had no knowledge of Sharee's online activities or her burgeoning affair with Jerry.

Sharee's lies became increasingly elaborate. She told Jerry she was pregnant with his child, sending fake sonograms and photos of her supposed baby bump. When Jerry expressed doubt, Sharee accused her husband of being abusive and claimed he was part of the mafia, making it impossible for her to leave him. These fabrications fueled Jerry's desire to protect Sharee and their unborn child.

The Murder of Bruce Miller

On November 8, 1999, Bruce Miller was shot and killed at his salvage yard. Initially, the police suspected a business associate with whom Bruce had a dispute, but the investigation stalled due to a lack of evidence. Meanwhile, Sharee continued to manipulate Jerry, ultimately convincing him that Bruce needed to be eliminated to protect her and their fictitious twins.

Jerry traveled from Missouri to Michigan with a 20-gauge shotgun, entering Bruce's salvage yard and shooting him. After the murder, he called Sharee from Bruce's cell phone, using a pre-arranged signal to indicate that the deed was done. Sharee, meanwhile, maintained an alibi by staying home with her children.

The Unraveling and the Aftermath

After Jerry's suicide, his brother Mike found a black briefcase under his bed containing a treasure trove of evidence. Inside were printed emails, chat logs, photos, and a detailed suicide note in which Jerry confessed to Bruce's murder and implicated Sharee in the plot. The letters painted a tragic picture of a man manipulated into committing murder by a woman he believed loved him.

Armed with this evidence, Michigan police arrested Sharee. During her trial, Sharee attempted to portray herself as a victim, claiming she had tried to break off the affair but Jerry had become obsessed with her. However, the overwhelming evidence in Jerry's briefcase told a different story.

The court heard how Sharee had orchestrated the murder, manipulating Jerry through lies and deceit. She was convicted of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, receiving a life sentence with an additional 54 to 81 years.

Conclusion

The case of Jerry Cassaday and Sharee Miller is a stark reminder of the dark side of online relationships. What began as a seemingly harmless online affair escalated into a deadly game of manipulation and murder. Sharee's lies and deceit not only cost Bruce Miller his life but also led Jerry Cassaday down a path of destruction, culminating in his tragic suicide.

Today, Sharee remains incarcerated, her story serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online deceit and the devastating consequences it can have. The legacy of this case underscores the importance of vigilance and skepticism in online interactions, reminding us that not everyone is who they claim to be on the web.