UPDATE 3:02 July 9, 2025 |
ROSCOMMON COUNTY — A 62-year-old Van Buren County man has been sentenced to up to 29 years in prison for the murder of his mother, officials announced Tuesday.
John Miko was sentenced on July 8 in the 34th Circuit Court by Judge Robert W. Bennett to serve 19 to 29 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Miko previously entered a no-contest plea on May 20 to second-degree murder in the death of his mother, Clara Miko, under a court-accepted plea agreement.
Authorities described the case as a stark reminder of the deadly potential of domestic violence and the importance of prompt intervention by law enforcement and the justice system.
“This tragic case shines a spotlight on the reason that domestic violence incidents need to be treated so seriously,” officials said in a statement. “These cases can escalate quickly and become deadly.”
The court and prosecutors expressed continued support for the family and friends of Clara Miko as they mourn her death.
Original story
ROSCOMMON COUNTY — The Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office said a 95-year-old woman died after being assaulted by her son.
Around midnight on Saturday, the woman, Clara Miko from Denton Township, called 911 and said her son had repeatedly assaulted her and was going to kill her. Deputies found Miko on the garage floor, unable to move and badly injured.
Deputies spoke to her about what happened as EMS prepared to take her to the hospital. They found the son, John Miko, in the home. They said he was drunk and uncooperative, and he was on probation for a previous domestic assault.
John Miko was arrested and taken to the Roscommon County Jail. Deputies said Clara Miko died from her injuries later Sunday morning.
On Wednesday, John was charged with Vulnerable Adult Abuse 1st Degree, Assault By Strangulation, and Homicide – First Degree. John Miko remains in custody on a $1,000,000 bond.