Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Donald Miller was shot and killed while off duty when he confronted a man who was driving recklessly in the New Hanover Regional Medical Center parking lot in Wilmington.
The detective and his wife were leaving the hospital after visiting their newborn child when he observed the man speeding and weaving in the parking lot. He confronted the man, who suddenly pulled out a handgun and opened fire, striking Detective Miller. The gunman then attempted to shoot Detective Miller's wife, but Detective Miller was able to push her out of harm's way.
He then fled through the hospital and was later apprehended. Detective Miller succumbed to the gunshot wound two days later.
The killer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison on December 17, 2014. The shooter was upset that his grandmother's leg had to be amputated and planned a shooting spree at the hospital.
Detective Miller was a United States Army veteran and had served with the New Bern Police Department for four years. He had previously served with the Wilmington Policeton Police Department and the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Special Police.
Detective Miller was a United States Army veteran and had served with the New Bern Police Department for four years. He had previously served with the Wilmington Policeton Police Department and the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Special Police.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two sons, his parents, a brother, and a sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-DD559278- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Detective Miller gave the New Bern Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Bern community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Donald Miller served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Detective Donald Miller is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Bern Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Donald Miller's cause is highlighted.
How Donald Miller Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Donald Miller is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Donald Miller was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from New Bern Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
