Sterling Miller, 65, known in York, Pennsylvania as Petey, was shot while panhandling under a tree near West Market Street and Richland Avenue on the afternoon of July 8, 2023. Described by his family as having mental health and developmental issues and sometimes being homeless, he was a devoted father who called his daughter Kara frequently and hoped to save for a Cowboys game ticket.

At about 3:51 p.m., a man wearing a mask and gloves walked past Miller, turned back, produced a handgun and shot him once in the head at close range. Bystanders rendered aid and Miller was taken to WellSpan York Hospital on life support; he died there on July 12, 2023. The York County Coroner ruled the cause of death a gunshot wound to the head and the manner homicide.

Police released surveillance images and received tips that led to the arrest on July 11, 2023 of 30-year-old Brandon Ellerbe outside his East Philadelphia Street residence. He was initially charged with attempted homicide; the charge was upgraded after Miller’s death. Authorities did not release a motive or say whether the two knew each other.