Life sentence for domestic violence

HENDERSON COUNTY – An East Texas man was sentenced to life in prison on Friday by a Henderson County jury after he assaulted and threatened to kill a family member in 2025. According to the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office and our news partner KETK, 60-year-old Lawrence William Miller was arrested on Feb. 27, 2025, after officers from the Gun Barrel City Police Department responded to a call from a woman requesting an ambulance to her home on East Acres.

Once officers arrived at the home, they found the victim struggling to stand and was reportedly in visible pain with bruises covering her body. The victim initially told officers that she had fallen; however, once she was alone with EMS personel she allegedly said that Miller had kicked her in the face and body and threatened to kill her

During Miller’s trial, officers testified that they had been dispatched to the home several times over the past year. Additionally, Amanda Cooper with Breaking Chains, a coalition against family violence in Henderson County, testified as an expert witness on the trial, providing reasons why many domestic violence victims feel unable to leave and may be uncooperative with law enforcement or prosecution.

During the sentencing phase of the trial, the jury heard testimony from a previous survivor of Miller’s abuse, who allegedly stated that he had beaten and strangled her in 2016. The victim’s testimony was supported by a former roommate of Miller, who testified that he had witnessed the defendant choke the victim to the point of her passing out.

The jury also became aware of Miller’s lengthy criminal history, which included several previous arrests for aggravated assault and family violence.

Following a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for less than 20 minutes before delivering a life sentence to Miller, according to the district attorney’s office.

“Domestic Violence is so often unreported, or the family dynamics make it very difficult to prosecute,” the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office said. “I am so proud of these survivors coming forward and testifying against their abuser. Our community (law enforcement, prosecution, Breaking Chains and neighbors and family members of the survivor) came together to make sure that Miller never hurts anyone again.”