File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

MILLER MURDER TRIAL

Accused in first-degree murder trial outlines stories behind death of his close friend

Jan 20, 2020 | 4:42 PM

KAMLOOPS — A Fraser Valley man standing trial for first-degree murder says the death of 52-year-old Debra Novacluse was the result of ‘rough sex,’ and that her death happened accidentally. Novacluse’s body was found at the Super 8 Motel in Aberdeen in August, 2016.

David Miller was arrested in Ontario a few days later and questioned by police. On Monday, court saw the recorded interview with the now-69-year-old who eventually revealed his action resulted in her death, admitting he choked her.

“What did you do to her?” asked Kamloops RCMP Sgt. Mark Davidson during the interview.

Miller quietly responded with, “I choked her.”

Davidson then said, “A little more than just choking, right Dave?”

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Miller said in the video that Novacluse wanted rough sex and that he “got carried away…I didn’t mean to do it.” Miller said in the video he felt sick about it. The two were close friends.

Novacluse was tied up with a telephone cord, Miller admitted. He then wrapped her in a sleeping bag and hid her underneath his mattress at the motel.

The video was played to the court during a voir dire — a ‘trial within a trial’ meant to determine if certain evidence will be admissible. Crown is hoping the interview can be used as evidence during the trial, arguing they were voluntary statements. Defense says it should be excluded because they feel Miller was being threatened and coerced to admit details during the interview.

Testimony is scheduled to continue Tuesday (Jan. 21).