By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose

Nearly 40 years after Rebecca “Becky” Beard disappeared, a retired Freeport police captain is revealing evidence investigators discovered inside a home believed to be connected to her murder.

In my exclusive interview, Richard Miller describes apparent blood evidence, drag marks and two cadaver dogs that alerted beneath the home. He also recalls finding unusual material while digging before officials ordered him to stop.

Despite those discoveries, investigators never secured the home as a crime scene.

Watch my exclusive interview with Richard Miller

Richard Miller reveals evidence discovered inside the home

Miller spent 22 years with the Freeport Police Department. He was a rookie when Becky disappeared in March 1986. Years later, he revisited the investigation as a police captain.

During a search of the home, investigators used luminol to look for possible blood evidence. Miller describes apparent blood smears on a wall and floor, along with marks leading toward the back door.

Two cadaver dogs also alerted beneath the house.

Officials ordered Miller to stop digging

Miller says he began digging beneath the home after the dogs alerted. During that search, he discovered unusual white material.

Before he could determine what he had found, officials ordered him to stop.

The material has not been confirmed as human remains. However, Miller’s account raises questions about evidence investigators may have left behind.

Why wasn’t the home secured as a crime scene?

John Cone previously told investigators that Paul Taylor Jr. allegedly confessed to him about Becky’s death.

Cone reported that Taylor had removed a mattress and carpet from the home. He also offered authorities a key to the property.

Yet investigators did not immediately secure and process the residence following Cone’s report. 

Miller’s account now provides additional details about what investigators discovered during a later search.

Newly uncovered records raise more question

Becky’s family has spent decades searching for her remains. They have also reviewed investigative reports and court records in their effort to uncover what happened.

Records involving possible human remains have raised additional questions for the family.

Miller’s interview offers a new perspective on the evidence discovered beneath the house. However, it does not establish that investigators recovered human remains.

Paul Taylor Jr. pleaded guilty in connection with Becky’s death in 1995. Her body has never been recovered.

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