Child Murderer Denied Parole

Defendant Robert Michael Mills, 63 years old of Santa Rosa, was denied parole Tuesday morning following a hearing conducted by the California Board of Parole Hearings. Mr. Mills is currently serving a life sentence in state prison after a jury in 1989 found him guilty of murder by torture and child abuse.

District Attorney Carla Rodriguez stated, “Mr. Mills abused a vulnerable and defenseless child over a period of several months before he ultimately killed her. His crimes are reprehensible and horrific. We are pleased that the parole board concluded, as we did, that this man is not suitable for release.”

The medical evidence introduced at trial indicated that between February and June of 1988, Robert Michael Mills, who was 28 years old and weighed approximately 350 pounds, routinely abused his 2-year-old stepdaughter. The evidence established that he punched, slapped and kicked her. Further, he threw her into walls and forced her to sit for hours upon end with her hands raised above her head, only to be beaten if she cried.

Several expert witnesses testified at trial that it was the worst case of child abuse they had ever encountered. At the child’s autopsy, the pathologist discovered approximately 40 unique injuries, each in various stages of healing. Some injuries were so significant doctors testified they had only seen similar injuries in children after highspeed vehicle crashes. At the conclusion of the trial the jury convicted Mills of murder by torture, and child endangerment, and he was sentenced to serve 34 years to life in prison.

During the hearing, the Sonoma County District Attorney strongly opposed Mills release from prison arguing he continues to present an unreasonable risk of harm to the public The parole board agreed, denying his bid for release after finding that Mills minimized his involvement, lacked insight into his committing offense, and lacked credibility during his testimony before the board. Mills will be eligible to argue for release again in 3 years.

Deputy District Attorney Matt Hubley attended the parole suitability hearing on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office.

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