Filipino caregiver in Alaska shot dead by patient

Shooting suspect Paul Miller in police custody. ALASKA DISPATCH NEWS PHOTO

SAN FRANCISCO, California — A 51-year-old resident of a small assisted-living home in Anchorage, Alaska called 911 Tuesday evening, August 12, to report that he had shot his caretaker, a 63-year-old Filipino man.

Anchorage police found Paul Miller waiting outside of the home, at 309 E. 24th Ave, with a .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun sitting on the railing of the front porch, reported the Alaska Dispatch News.

Police took Miller into custody. He was charged with first- and second-degree murder. Court documents say Miller told the 911 operator he “just shot the Filipino,” according to the Dispatch News.

Inside the home, Allison Assisted Living Home, police officers found the body of 63-year-old Eduardo Escalante, who died from multiple gunshot wounds to his neck, arm and torso, said the documents filed in Anchorage District Court.

Family members of Escalante said he worked at the assisted-living home with his wife. The couple moved to Anchorage from the Philippines in March. A witness said that before the shooting, Escalante was watching television in the kitchen. Miller was outside on the phone. The man said he did not see the shooting, but heard three to four shots inside the house.

Miller made his first court appearance August 13 at the Anchorage Correctional Complex. For each murder charge, Miller faces up to 99 years in jail and a fine of up to $500,000.

Miller has a lengthy criminal record in Alaska. Between 1982 and 1991, he was convicted of assault at least five times, as well criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct, driving while intoxicated and shoplifting.

Miller’s bail was set at $500,000 cash. If he posts bail, he is to stay away from 309 E. 24th Ave. and not possess firearms.

RELATED STORIES

Most aging Filipino caregivers can’t afford to retire 

After brutal attack, Filipino man dies in New York