Arthur H. Miller

Arthur H. Miller

The search for Arthur H. Miller in Iowa City’s Hickory Hill Park was suspended by the Iowa City Police Department tonight at 6 p.m. Although Miller’s whereabouts are still unknown, the ICPD reopened the park to the public.

Miller, the University of Iowa political science professor who was charged with four counts of soliciting bribes, was last seen Tuesday morning and was subsequently reported missing the following morning by his wife. According to police records, Miller allegedly offered female students better grades in exchange for sexual favors.

Based on a “cryptic” note he left behind police have said they suspect Miller is already dead, the Press-Citizen reported. Moreover, Miller removed a passport from a safety deposit box and updated his will in the days leading up to his disappearance, Iowa City Police Sgt. Mike Brotherton told the Press-Citizen.

Based on a formal statement released by Miller’s family tonight, it appears they are losing hope in his return as well:

Dear Iowans:

Today’s rain is not only slowing the search of our husband and father, it is also washing away our last hopes for Arthur’s return. It’s been a long way for him and, sadly, a very lonely way. During all these months he was trying to protect his family by not sharing all the pain and sorrow which were filling his heart. He was looking for some help outside but, unfortunately, did not find enough compassion and willingness to hear his story.

Arthur will always remain in the hearts of his wife, children, and family. Our memories of him would bring us to the library, where he was taking his son for Saturday’s story time, to the farmers market, where we would enjoy outdoor music performances and eat some freshly baked muffins, to all the wonderful games which he played with his sons at home, to daytrips which we took together with our children to see and teach them to appreciate a bigger world.

Professor Arthur Herbert Miller will be remembered as one of the most distinguished scientists in his area of research, a mentor to many who owe him their successful careers, a friend to many people who live in different countries and on different continents, a teacher who believed that independent thinking is one of the most important skills which should help develop his students.

The ordeal of the last two weeks has become unbearable for Arthur. He could not live with the thought that his name and reputation were smeared and associated with the thing which he believed he never had done.

As a family, we would like to ask the media to be considerate of our current situation and respect our privacy as we struggle through this difficult period in our lives.