**Tragedy and Advocacy: The Heartbreaking Story of Cassandra Tanner Miller and the Fight Against Cash Bail Reform**
In a deeply emotional segment on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom,” anchor Dana Perino interviewed Cassandra Tanner Miller, a mother whose life was irrevocably altered by a horrific act of violence. Cassandra’s estranged husband, Christopher Michael Miller, fatally shot their 18-month-old son, Colton, in September 2019 while he was out on an “I-bond,” a no-cash bail bond, awaiting trial for aggravated felony battery. The interview not only highlighted the personal tragedy that Cassandra endured but also sparked a broader conversation about the implications of cash bail reform in Illinois.
Cassandra’s harrowing account began with a chilling recollection of the day her life changed forever. She described how Christopher broke into her home in Joliet, Illinois, and confronted her with the words, “Are you all ready to die?” What followed was a brutal assault that left Cassandra fighting for her life and the lives of her children. As she recounted the violence, she urged her nine-year-old daughter, Camryn, to retrieve her baby brother, Colton, from upstairs. Tragically, Christopher managed to reach Colton first, shooting him ten times while he napped in his crib.
In a desperate attempt to save her daughter, Cassandra crawled up the stairs to distract her husband, allowing Camryn to escape. The horror did not end there; Christopher ultimately turned the gun on himself, leaving Cassandra to grapple with the aftermath of unimaginable loss. The emotional weight of her story was palpable, and it brought Perino to tears, a rare moment of vulnerability for the seasoned anchor.
Cassandra’s experience has fueled her advocacy against the elimination of cash bail, a topic that has gained significant attention in Illinois. Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed legislation that makes Illinois the first state to end cash bail, a move that has sparked intense debate. Proponents argue that cash bail disproportionately affects marginalized communities, as many individuals cannot afford to pay bail and remain incarcerated while awaiting trial. However, critics, including Cassandra, contend that such reforms can jeopardize public safety and fail to consider the victims of domestic violence.
In her interview, Cassandra expressed her disappointment with Governor Pritzker, stating, “He absolutely let me down.” She had previously met with him to plead for a reconsideration of the legislation, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of victims like herself. “He completely failed the entire domestic violence community,” she lamented, highlighting the potential dangers posed by releasing individuals who may have a history of violence.
The emotional impact of Cassandra’s story resonated beyond the screen, prompting discussions about the balance between criminal justice reform and public safety. Perino, visibly shaken by the interview, acknowledged the complexity of the issue. “I understand that there is concern that cash bail has hurt segments of the population,” she said, “but we have to think about these victims.” Her comments underscored the need for a nuanced approach to criminal justice reform that considers the voices of those directly affected by violence.
As Illinois moves forward with its cash bail reform, the implications of this legislation will be closely monitored. Critics, including Republican leaders and law enforcement officials, have voiced concerns that the elimination of cash bail could embolden criminals and undermine public safety. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy stated, “The governor is willfully undermining public safety – endangering citizens, emboldening criminals.”
Cassandra Tanner Miller’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences of policy decisions. Her advocacy work aims to ensure that the voices of victims are heard in the ongoing discussions about criminal justice reform. As she continues to share her story, Cassandra hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and the need for policies that prioritize the safety of victims.
In a world where statistics often overshadow personal narratives, Cassandra’s experience stands as a powerful testament to the complexities of the issues at hand. Her journey from victim to advocate highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach to criminal justice reform—one that protects the rights of the accused while also safeguarding the lives of those who have suffered at their hands. As the debate continues, Cassandra’s voice will undoubtedly remain a crucial part of the conversation, reminding us all of the human cost of policy decisions.
Fox NewsIllinois woman whose 18-month-old son was shot dead by her estranged husband.
The heart-wrenching interview was conducted by Perino, 48, during Thursday’s edition of America’s Newsroom.
Perino was discussing Illinois Governor Jay Pritzker’s recent decision to end cash bail for pretrial detainees, before she conducted a remote interview with Cassandra Tanner Miller.
Cassandra told Perino that, in September 2019, her estranged husband, Christopher Michael Miller, broke into her home in Joliet, Illinois while he was out on an ‘I-bond’ while awaiting trial on three counts of aggravated felony battery.
‘For those that don’t know what an I-bond is, it’s a no cash bail bond,’ Cassandra explained.
Cassandra then horrifically recounted how she was brutally beaten by Christopher before he pulled out a gun and fatally shot their 18-month-old son ten times before turning the gun on himself.
Fox News anchor Dana Perino has broken down in tears following an interview with an Illinois woman whose 18-month-old son was shot dead by her estranged husband
Back in September 19, 18-month-old Colton Miller was shot dead by his father Christopher, who was out on an ‘I-bond’ at the time while awaiting a court appearance
On that fateful day, Cassandra was at home with baby Colton and her older child, nine-year-old daughter, Camryn.
‘I went into my kitchen and my estranged husband was standing at my back door,’ Cassandra began.
‘He said “Are you all ready to die?” He began punching me, beating me, strangling me over and over again,’ she stated.
‘I yelled to my daughter to go get my son and don’t stop for anything, but my estranged husband dragged me in front of the stairs [to the second floor] blocking any exit they would have had.
‘After he thought he killed me, he walked up the stairs pulled out a gun and asked my daughter if she was having fun yet.’
Cassandra went on to explained that her estranged spouse Christopher then shot Colton dead, before he attacked young Camryn and tried to throw her over a second floor railing.
At that point, Cassandra was able to crawl up the stairs and distract her husband, allowing her daughter to escape.
Christopher subsequently turned the gun on himself.
Cassandra told Perino that, in September 2019, her estranged husband, Christopher Michael Miller, broke into her home in Joliet, Illinois while he was out on an ‘I-bond’ while awaiting trial on three counts of aggravated felony battery. Cassandra and Christopher are pictured in happier times
Christopher killed his son, Colton, as he napped in an upstairs bedroom. The father and son are pictured together
Cassandra was brutally beaten by her estranged husband. She is pictured with injuries she sustained after the September 2019 tragedy
Cassandra has now become an outspoken opponent of eliminating cash bail, and met with Gov Pritzker urging him not to push through the legislation – which he eventually did this week.
‘He absolutely let me down. I made a plea to him prior to him signing this bill and to hold off and to actually think about victims,’ Cassandra stated.
‘He completely failed the entire domestic violence community,’ she added.
The harrowing story was too much for Perino to take, and her composure cracked after she ended the interview.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever cried on TV. That was really hard,’ Perino sobbed to Fox News colleague Trace Gallagher as she crossed to him at the conclusion of her program.
The harrowing story was too much for Perino to take, and her composure cracked after she ended the interview
‘I don’t think I’ve ever cried on TV. That was really hard,’ Perino sobbed to Fox News colleague Trace Gallagher as she crossed to him as she concluded her program
‘Her story is replicated [everywhere]’, Perino stated.
‘I understand that there is concern that cash bail has hurt segments of the population. There is concern that minorities are hurt more. But we have to think about these victims,’ she implored.
On Monday, Illinois’ Democratic Governor Pritzker signed sweeping reforms making Illinois the first state to end cash bail.
Some claim cash bail disproportionately effects people of color, as they are less likely to have access to money to post bond.
The law will not come into effect for several years but it has been slammed by Republicans and law enforcement officials .
‘The governor is willfully undermining public safety – endangering citizens, emboldening criminals,’ Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy said
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs a sweeping criminal justice reform bill into law during a ceremony at Chicago State University on the South Side, Monday
