HELENA – The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Jason Allen Miller for the attempted homicide of Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced Thursday.
Miller appealed his June 2025 conviction for running over and seriously injuring Trooper Johnson in February 2023. During the appeal, Miller argued that the court abused its discretion by allowing law enforcement officers to attend trial in uniform, that Miller received ineffective assistance from his attorney, and that the court abused its discretion by admitting a photograph of the crime scene. However, the court agreed with the Attorney General’s Office that he received a fair trial.
“I am relieved and glad to report the Montana Supreme Court sided with us on this case. It is a testament to the great work of our Montana Department of Justice prosecutors and appellate lawyers,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “I hope this decision brings Trooper Johnson and his family some peace as they have shown incredible bravery throughout this entire process. Justice has been served.”
In June 2025, Miller was sentenced to life without parole after he was found guilty of five felonies: attempted deliberate homicide, criminal endangerment, criminal mischief, criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and aggravated kidnapping. Miller also owes the Johnson family over $75,000 in restitution and over $1.2 million to the State for Trooper Johnson’s care, treatment, and trial expenses.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Thorin Geist and former Assistant Attorney General Selene Koepke. The State was represented on appeal by Assistant Attorney General Katie Schulz.
