By David Lohr

December 12, 2006

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DICKINSON, Texas. (Crime Library) — Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak with Tim Miller, who is the founder and leader of Dickinson-based search and recovery team Texas EquuSearch.  You may remember reading about them in an exclusive Crime Library article Katherine Ramsland wrote last year.  EquuSearch is made up of over 350 members and they have been active in over 600 missing persons searches.  In recent years they received national publicity for their active participation in the disappearances of Tara Grinstead, Natalee Holloway and Renee Fox.

"I don't know how to say no.  I can't do it," Tim said.  "When a family calls us we know they are desperate and I do everything in my power to help them.  I've been in their shoes and I know what it's like."

Tim Miller

Tim has first-hand experience when it comes to the loss of a loved one.  In 1984, his 16-year-old daughter Laura disappeared.  Her body was found 17 months later in a field.Hers was the forth body recovered from the same field since April 1984.  Two of those bodies have never been identified and are called Jane and Janet Doe.

Laura Miller

"Before Laura disappeared I never realized how many missing persons were out there."  It was that realization, along with his own desire for justice, which led Miller to form Texas EquuSearch.  "I discovered we could do something to help families in similar situations."

During my conversation with Tim, I asked him if it still bothered him that Laura's killer has never been caught.  His response is typical of his big heart and willingness to help others.

Tim Miller at Laura's Grave

"Nothing is worse than having a murdered child, but I can live with that.  If I had my choice, if her killer could be found or if Jane and Janet Doe could be identified, I would want to know who those girls are.  There is a family out there searching for them right now.  Every time the phone rings or there is a knock on the door they jump, wondering if it is their missing loved one.  They've never been able to say goodbye.  Never been able to put their lives back together.  I've been blessed.  I can visit Laura at the cemetery whenever I want and sit and talk with her."

Texas EquuSearch logo

EquuSearch has had successful results in over 100 cases to date, however Tim is not even close to being satisfied.  Not yet anyway. 

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Contact  David Lohr at           crimewriter74@hughes.net