Murder charges in a fatal stabbing on Christmas Eve near Hamilton have been dismissed — for now.
Judge Rodney Clark on Thursday granted a state motion to dismiss the case without prejudice against Garrett P. Miller, 34.
Dismissing without prejudice means the current charges and case have been dropped, but the state could file new or amended charges in the future.
The Hancock County State’s Attorney’s Office plans to gather additional evidence and submit the case to a grand jury, according to court documents obtained by TSPR.
Miller is accused of fatally stabbing his fiancé’s brother, Dalton L. Sherman, 29, in the chest after a night of drinking.
The stabbing happened at the rural Hamilton home owned by Miller and his fiancé. Miller was taken into custody at 10:41 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2025, and was later granted pretrial release.
State’s Attorney Bobi Gail James had charged Miller with three offenses representing differing legal theories about Miller’s intent in the stabbing. That included first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and involuntary manslaughter.
Miller is represented by defense attorney William Wolf.
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.
