Two men have been charged in connection with the murder and burglary of Susan Miller, a 75-year-old woman from South Pasadena. On June 4, Miller was found dead from multiple stab wounds in her home on Brent Avenue. Her grandsons made the gruesome discovery, conducting what started as a wellness check, turning into an encounter with the nightmare of their loved one's death, as reported by KTLA.
Among the accused is Miller's grandson, 28-year-old Bikramjot Singh Padda, along with an alleged accomplice, 44-year-old Josh Edward Atkins. A statement released by District Attorney George Gascón expressed the community's sorrow, especially given the family connection in the crime. "Our hearts are with Ms. Susan Miller’s loved ones as they continue to navigate this senseless violence and loss," Gascón said. "The loss is made even more painful by the fact that one of the defendants involved is the victim's grandson," as stated by CBS Los Angeles.
Both suspects face charges of murder and first-degree residential burglary with a person present. It is further alleged in the criminal complaint that Atkins personally used a knife to commit the crime, and another individual, other than the accomplice, was reportedly present during the burglary. Currently, Atkins is being held on $2.02 million bail, while Padda’s bail is set slightly higher at $2.05 million. Their arraignment is scheduled for December 19, as noted by the District Attorney’s Office.
If they are found guilty of the charges, Atkins and Padda could face life sentences in state prison. Jail records revealed an earlier detainment of Padda following the incident, though he was released two days later without charges. He was re-arrested on Saturday, and Atkins was taken into custody on November 12 in the Santa Clarita Valley, as per CBS Los Angeles. The case continues to be investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
