Florida Appeals Judge Accused of Meddling in Murder Case, Sending “She Will Destroy You” Texts to Prosecutor
MIAMI, FLORIDA — A high-ranking Florida appeals court judge is under investigation for allegedly trying to influence a prosecutor’s handling of a post-conviction case involving a notorious Miami gang leader and convicted murderer — including sending a warning that another judge would “destroy” her if she didn’t listen.
According to a report from the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC), Third District Court of Appeal Judge Bronwyn Miller sent a series of improper text messages to Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, allegedly attempting to shape how her office handled the legal proceedings for Corey Smith, a convicted killer and drug kingpin once sentenced to death.
The JQC says Miller’s actions violated Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct, undermining the integrity and independence expected of a sitting judge.
Texts Reveal Alleged Influence and Criticism of Fellow Judges
Investigators say the exchanges began after Miller testified in February 2024 during post-conviction hearings related to Smith’s case. After that, she was supposed to step back — but instead, she allegedly continued to text Rundle in March, criticizing other judges and urging the prosecutor to act strategically.
“By the way, have no idea [why] you refuse to listen to me regarding Andrea [Wolfson],” Miller allegedly texted, referring to Circuit Judge Andrea Wolfson.
“She will destroy you because of the bail bond issue.”
Judge Wolfson and then-Chief Judge Nushin Sayfie had previously pushed for bail reform policies — reforms Miller appeared to reference as part of her warning.
In another message, Miller allegedly described an assistant state attorney as a “misogynistic pervert”, prompting Rundle to defend the lawyer’s credentials. Miller reportedly replied, “Ted Bundy was too,” followed by an emoji, according to the commission’s records.
Prosecutor Shared Draft Motions With the Judge
In April 2024, Rundle reportedly sent Miller a draft motion asking the court to reconsider a prior decision removing two prosecutors from the case. Miller allegedly replied that the motion was “extremely weak” and advised that Judge Wolfson should be disqualified.
Rundle later sent a revised version, which Miller called “better.”
The JQC report noted that the level of collaboration between a sitting appellate judge and a prosecutor — particularly one tied to an ongoing murder case — “cast reasonable doubt on [Miller’s] capacity to act impartially as a judge.”
Case Involved Notorious Miami Gang Leader
The texts centered on Corey Smith, a former Liberty City gang leader once sentenced to death for multiple murders and drug crimes.
Smith’s 2005 death sentence was overturned in 2017, and prosecutors sought a new penalty phase. Defense attorneys later moved to remove the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, accusing it of providing favors to witnesses during Smith’s original trial.
While that motion was denied, Smith’s defense successfully had two prosecutors removed — which allegedly triggered Miller’s involvement through the text messages.
Judge’s Defense: ‘I Did Nothing Wrong’
Through her attorney, Warren Lindsey, Miller denied wrongdoing, saying she was exercising her First Amendment rights out of concern for her safety and her community’s.
“This case does not stem from her work on the bench,” Lindsey said in a statement to NBC 6 South Florida. “Judge Miller lawfully cooperated with the State Attorney’s Office in a case involving Corey Smith — a mass murderer who terrorized Liberty City for years.”
However, the JQC rejected that argument, concluding that her comments and behavior “demeaned the judicial office” and appeared coercive, even if she didn’t intend to influence the prosecution.
“Your communications cast reasonable doubt on your capacity to act impartially as a judge,” the commission said. “They undermine your appearance of integrity and impartiality.”
Next Steps in the Case
Judge Miller’s disciplinary process will move forward before the Florida Supreme Court, which will ultimately decide whether she faces sanctions — including possible suspension or removal from the bench.
Meanwhile, the State Attorney’s Office later dropped the death penalty against Corey Smith, who ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while serving a 60-year federal sentence for drug trafficking.
The fallout from the scandal has rattled Florida’s legal community and renewed scrutiny over judicial ethics and prosecutorial independence.
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