James Aaron Miller, 30, was charged Dec. 27 in Sebastian County Circuit Court with three counts of capital murder for the deaths of his girlfriend, 28-year-old Bridgett Barr of Fort Smith, and her two children, Sydney Barr, 5, and Garrett Barr, 2.
The three were discovered dead Dec. 26 in a Fort Smith apartment. The children were visiting their mother for Christmas when they were murdered, police said in a press release. The children's father, Ray Barr, had custody of both children and he and his children were living in Muldrow, police said.
Miller was in the Fort Smith apartment when police discovered the three bodies. According to the Sebastian County Circuit Court Clerk's office, prosecutors notified the court this week that they will be seeking the death penalty.
Earlier this month, a preliminary report from the Arkansas State Medical Examiner was released to the public.
The medical examiner determined that Bridgette Barr died from strangulation, while Sydney Barr died from six stab wounds to her neck. The medical examiner reported that Sydney Barr was also smothered.
Two-year-old Garrett Barr died from asphyxia or suffocation. He also suffered postmortem injuries, or injuries incurred after death, including charring and drying. Police believe the suspect, Miller, smothered the boy to death before placing his body in the heated kitchen oven.
Miller remains in the Sebastian County Jail in Fort Smith on suspicion of three counts of capital murder with no bond. Miller's attorney filed a not guilty plea in Sebastian County Circuit Court in Fort Smith on behalf of Miller.
Fort Smith police discovered the bodies after receiving a call from Miller's father at 12:38 a.m. Dec. 26, requesting police check on the welfare of his son, Miller. Miller's father said that he had received a text message from his son, and he was worried that he may try to harm himself.
Copeland said officers responded to the scene and were met by Miller at the door when Miller allegedly told police that he was "ready to go."
