LISBON -- Billy Holladay's family filled a row in the Ransom County Courthouse on Wednesday afternoon, their eyes teary and locked on Paul Miller, the man accused of killing him.
Randi Holladay, Billy's sister, wore a blue T-shirt, printed with a picture of her brother and the words, "Rest in Peace Billy."
Miller, 28, is accused of shooting Holladay, 28, early Sunday morning in downtown Enderlin, a quiet town of about 900 in the north of Ransom County.
Miller, charged with murder and reckless endangerment, had his bail set Wednesday at $1 million cash during his initial court appearance.
Wearing glasses and with messy blond hair, Miller said little during the hearing, and his attorney, Cash Aaland of Fargo, did not object to the state's request of a high bail.
ADVERTISEMENT
In granting the bail, Ransom County District Court Judge Jay Schmitz cited Miller's ties to the community and the danger he allegedly poses to it.
"This is a very serious charge that has been filed here," Schmitz said.
Miller shot Holladay several times about 2:30 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of Third Avenue as Holladay dropped off his 2-year-old nephew, court documents say.
Authorities found Holladay dead at the scene.
Miller confessed his involvement in the crime to family members, documents say, and was arrested later Sunday in Fargo.
The crime has rattled the small community of Enderlin, Ransom County Sheriff Darren Benneweis said after Wednesday's hearing.
"The community is still in shock. It's still unbelievable, this type of thing," Benneweis said, noting the investigation into the crime is continuing.
Ransom County State's Attorney Fallon Kelly, attorney Aaland and members of Holladay's family declined to comment after the hearing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Asked about possible tensions between Holladay and Miller, Miller's father Steve said he couldn't say, other than that "after the investigation, I'm sure it will come out."
If convicted of the murder charge, Paul Miller could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
A preliminary hearing for Miller has not yet been set.
