Caregiver Charged in Death of Disabled Client, William Miller (Cont.)
Date of Post: October 23, 2025
Case Summary: Nuru Niyonkuru & Mr. William Miller
A Phoenix caregiver, Nuru Niyonkuru (36), was arrested in April 2025 on a charge of vulnerable adult abuse following the tragic death of his 50-year-old client, Mr. William Miller, a disabled adult who required full-time care.
Court records allege a devastating act of criminal negligence:
- Niyonkuru, while on duty, took Mr. Miller to his apartment and admitted to drinking a full bottle of whiskey with Mr. Miller in his custody.
- Upon returning to the group home, Niyonkuru is accused of leaving Mr. Miller slumped and unattended in a hot car in the Arizona heat.
- Mr. Miller was later found deceased in the vehicle after Niyonkuru asked a co-worker to check on him.
Critical Factor: Neglect and Fatal Heat Exposure
This case highlights how criminal neglect can exploit a victim’s vulnerability. Mr. William Miller had a serious pre-existing heart condition (irregular heartbeat/hardened arteries).
Recent reports confirm that the investigation is focused on how Niyonkuru’s action—leaving a vulnerable person with a heart condition unattended in a hot vehicle in Arizona—caused or significantly contributed to his death by exacerbating his medical issues.
The case remains active, and the prosecution is awaiting the Medical Examiner’s final report to determine if the charges will be upgraded to a more severe felony.
