Gilbert, Arizona — A 55-year-old Arizona woman was found dead inside her home days after police say a man who had been with her when she died allegedly moved her body, used her belongings and attempted to conceal what had happened.
Kristopher Lauchner, 52, is facing multiple charges, including abandoning or concealing a dead body, burglary, trafficking stolen property, unlawful use of a means of transportation and possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, according to the Gilbert Police Department.
The case began with the death of Cindy Miller on Aug. 5.
According to court documents, Lauchner told investigators that he and Miller had been together the previous night and had used drugs. He allegedly said Miller became unresponsive during the early morning hours and that he attempted CPR and checked for a pulse.
However, police say Lauchner admitted that he did not call 911, claiming he knew she was dead and went into what he described as “self-preservation” mode.
Police Say He Moved Her Body to Her Home
Investigators allege Lauchner then dressed Miller and placed her body inside the passenger seat of her own Mercedes.
Police say he drove from the hotel where they had been staying to Miller’s home in Gilbert before carrying her body inside.
According to investigators, he then placed Miller in her bed and covered her with a comforter.
Rather than immediately reporting her death, authorities allege Lauchner continued using Miller’s property in the days that followed.
Jewelry Allegedly Sold at Pawnshop
Police say Lauchner allegedly sold Miller’s diamond ring and diamond necklace to a pawnshop in Tempe later on Aug. 5. Investigators also allege that he kept using Miller’s Mercedes after her death.
Court records reportedly cite surveillance footage, home security cameras and cellphone records as evidence placing Lauchner at Miller’s home and inside her vehicle during the days after she died.
Police also say Miller’s cellphone has not been recovered.
According to authorities, Lauchner allegedly used the phone to send text messages to several of Miller’s contacts, apparently in an effort to prevent people from becoming suspicious about her disappearance.
Family Makes Grim Discovery
Miller’s family became increasingly concerned after they could not reach her for several days. On Aug. 8, relatives went to her home on West Islandia Drive in Gilbert and allegedly discovered her body. Her daughter described Miller as a woman who was deeply loved by her family and community.
“My mother was a presence unlike any other, she was known and loved by many,” her daughter said.
She described Miller as a mother of three, an avid pool player, scuba diver, painter and entrepreneur who brought joy to the people around her.
The family was also already dealing with the recent loss of Miller’s son Zach, who had been approaching his 21st birthday when he died in a motorcycle accident, according to his sister.
Defendant Allegedly Violated Release Conditions
The investigation also uncovered an unusual connection between Lauchner and Miller.
Police said Lauchner and Miller knew each other, and Lauchner was already on pretrial release for an earlier offense involving Miller.
Under the conditions of that release, he allegedly was prohibited from contacting Miller or visiting her home.
Authorities said Lauchner had been monitored with an ankle device, but Maricopa County Pretrial Services reportedly told police that the monitor stopped working on July 12, after it had pinged at Miller’s address.
Police also allege that a handgun believed to belong to Miller was found in Lauchner’s possession when he was arrested.
Police Chase Ends in Arrest
On Aug. 11, detectives attempted to contact Lauchner at an apartment in Phoenix, according to court documents.
Police allege that he ran from investigators before eventually being caught. At the time of his arrest, Lauchner reportedly denied having anything to do with Miller’s death.
Authorities have not said exactly where Miller died beyond indicating that a hotel was involved. The county medical examiner is continuing to investigate her cause and manner of death, meaning questions remain about precisely how she died.
Lauchner is currently being held at Lower Buckeye Jail without bond. During a court hearing, Miller’s family and prosecutors asked that he remain detained without bond.
Her daughter described the situation as devastating and called Lauchner a “dangerous, dangerous person,” saying his alleged actions had caused immense pain to the family. Lauchner appeared to acknowledge the likelihood that he would remain jailed.
“Non-bondable, I’m sure,” he said during the hearing.
The criminal allegations remain accusations, and the investigation into Miller’s death is ongoing.
What do you think about the allegations in this case? Should Lauchner remain in custody without bond while the investigation continues? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
