Washington mom sentenced for killing 8-year-old adopted daughter

Mandie Miller pleaded guilty to homicide by abuse, child assault, and unlawful imprisonment after driving her daughter's body across state lines in a U-Haul

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Washington mother, Mandie Miller, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for killing her 8-year-old adopted daughter, Meela Miller. Miller and her boyfriend, Aleksander Kurmoyarov, were arrested in South Dakota in December 2022 after authorities learned they were traveling from Washington State to the Pine Ridge Native American reservation with the girl's body inside a U-Haul trailer. Miller pleaded guilty to homicide by abuse, second-degree child assault, and two counts of unlawful imprisonment tied to Meela's death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and neglect, as well as the lengths some perpetrators will go to cover up their crimes. It raises questions about the foster care system and adoption processes, and the need for better monitoring and support for vulnerable children in the care of guardians.

The details

According to court records, Mandie Miller and Aleksander Kurmoyarov admitted the coffin holding Meela's body was inside the U-Haul trailer they were transporting. During questioning, the couple gave conflicting accounts, with Kurmoyarov claiming Meela died on Halloween in Airway Heights, Washington, while Miller said the girl died weeks earlier, on September 10. They allegedly did not seek medical attention or alert authorities because they 'wanted to spend more time with her' and feared getting in trouble. Investigators determined Meela endured months of abuse before becoming so frail that she died in September 2022 at the couple's Washington State home.

  • Meela Miller died on September 10, 2022 at the couple's Washington State home.
  • Mandie Miller and Aleksander Kurmoyarov were arrested in South Dakota in December 2022 while transporting Meela's body in a U-Haul trailer.
  • Mandie Miller was sentenced on Friday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Mandie Miller

A 36-year-old Washington mother who pleaded guilty to homicide by abuse, second-degree child assault, and two counts of unlawful imprisonment in the death of her 8-year-old adopted daughter, Meela Miller.

Aleksander Kurmoyarov

Mandie Miller's boyfriend, who was also arrested and charged in connection with Meela Miller's death.

Meela Miller

Mandie Miller's 8-year-old adopted daughter, who was the victim of abuse and neglect that led to her death.

Andrea Miller

Meela Miller's biological mother, who tearfully condemned her sister Mandie during the sentencing hearing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You did this with no remorse, murdering my third child, my beautiful daughter, Meela Rose Miller.”

— Andrea Miller, Meela Miller's biological mother (KREM)

“I forgive you, and Jesus Christ loves you. And I pray this never happens to another child.”

— Andrea Miller, Meela Miller's biological mother (KREM)

“We're here because a little girl was tortured, she was starved, her interests were not protected. And as a parent, this is the worst crime a person can commit against their own child, their adopted child, their own family member.”

— Judge Rachelle Anderson (KREM)

What’s next

Aleksander Kurmoyarov is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for better oversight and support systems to protect vulnerable children in the care of guardians, as well as the importance of swift action and reporting when signs of abuse or neglect are present.