Second suspect in kidnapping is jailed

By Terry Murry on Friday, March 12th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MISSION – Two people are now in Umatilla County Jail, charged in an alleged kidnapping of a 10-year-old child at Wildhorse Resort and Casino on Feb. 15. Christopher Wayne Lyons, 48, was arrested by Umatilla Tribal Police on Feb. 26 at 1102 S.E. Byers Ave. Brooke Elaine Miller, 30, was picked up by UTPD Wednesday at Motel 6.

On the day of the alleged kidnapping, the child’s father gave permission for the child to play in the snow with Miller. At that point, Miller and the child got into a pickup owned by Lyons. They were located in Ontario by local police who took the child into custody and turned the minor over to Child Protective Services.

“They told police that they both had decided to take the minor child to Idaho to make it more difficult for (the father) to get his child back,” Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Interim Communications Director Jane Hill said. “Neither Lyons or Miller had any relation to the child nor legal authority to take the child anywhere.”

Charges against Lyons and Miller include counts of second-degree kidnapping, custodial interference and criminal conspiracy. His bail is set at $610,000. Hers is $360,000.

Photo: Brooke Elaine Miller