Miera sentenced to 27 years for murder and injuring an officer

Michael Angelo Miera will spend a minimum of 27 years in prison for the murder of Brandon Lenker.

Miera previously changed his plea and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and battery with intent to commit a serious felony.

His plea, and sentencing, same as part of rule 11 plea agreement between the state and defense. Originally Miera was facing charges of felony eluding and aggravated battery or assault. Under the agreement, the eluding charge was dropped and the aggravated battery charge was amended to battery with intent.

For the second-degree murder charge, Miera was sentenced to 22 years fixed, indeterminate life. This means he will be guaranteed to serve 22 years, but based on behavior and other factors, could end up serving life. For the charge of battery, he was sentenced to five years. Those sentences will be run consecutive, meaning he will serve at least a total of 27 years in prison.

Miera was also ordered to pay restitution. That amount has to be sent in by prosecutors within 30 days.

Bannock County prosecutor Steve Herzog said he thinks the sentence is fair. He said the prosecution had discussions with Lenker’s family about the agreement and they also felt the rule 11 plea agreement was probably the best way to go.

Miera was arrested back in May of 2016 with his cousin Janeal Miera after leading police on a high speed chase in a stolen SUV.

During the chase, Michael Miera hit and injured a Fort Hall police officer.

Michael Miera was later charged with murder in the death of Brandon Lenker. According to Bannock County prosecutors, Pocatello Police, and Bannock County Sheriff’s Office at the time, Michael Miera shot Lenker in the back of the head and killed him. According to prosecutors, Miera was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time.

His cousin Janeal Miera was previously sentenced to five years fixed for destroying evidence.

You can view previous stories and details on Miera’s case here and here.