A man who may have tried to help an alleged murderer escape prosecution was indicted by the Monroe County grand jury in its November session.
Authorities are saying Jonathan Michael Brown, 26, Chestue Road, Delano, in some way tried to hinder the arrest of Kenneth Erick Waldrop, 20, Etowah, after Waldrop allegedly killed Renee Roissier Miller, 50, on March 4.

Monroe County Sheriff's Detective D.W. Brannon said authorities had known about Brown for a while.
"We don't believe Brown had anything to do with the actual murder," Brannon said, "but we believe he tried to keep Waldrop from being arrested."

The indictment states Brown "did provide or aid Waldrop with means of avoiding arrest, trial, conviction or punishment."
Brannon said Brown has no arrest record in Monroe County or anywhere else as far as they could find.

Brown is scheduled to be arraigned in Monroe County Criminal Court Monday. He is charged with accessory after the fact.
Waldrop was arrested March 5 by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office after he led them to a car that contained the body of Miller. Miller was found in her Chrysler just outside of Etowah in an area known for four-wheeling. She had been shot and a spent casing was found inside the car.

A warrant filed by Monroe County Sheriff's Detective Mike Morgan states Waldrop began to assault Miller at her home on Campground Road and continued the assault on the road, ultimately escalating in her shooting death.

Authorities began a search for Miller after her husband contacted a Loudon County officer who knew Miller's family. The husband told the officer he hadn't heard from his wife and was concerned.
Monroe County Detective Mike Morgan was contacted and it was soon learned Miller had been seen with Waldrop earlier in the day. Waldrop was contacted by authorities and after talking with them, Waldrop led them to Miller's body.

Monroe County Sheriff Bill Bivens said Waldrop has confessed to the crime, but authorities aren't sure of the reason for the killing.

michael.thomason@advocateand democrat.com | 442-4575