MILFORD — A man arrested and charged in the death of a 15-year-old boy who was a friend and neighbor, was indicted Wednesday on an aggravated murder charge.

        A Clermont County grand jury also indicted Randall S. Mills, 29, of Edgecomb Drive on aggravated arson and aggravated burglary charges in the death of Chris Alford, Milford police said.

        The prosecutor's office will try the case as a capital one, meaning Mr. Mills could face the death penalty if convicted.

        Chris, a freshman at Milford High School, was pulled from his smoke-filled home by his grandfather about 5 a.m. Nov. 13.

        An autopsy later that day determined the death was a homicide; Mr. Mills was arrested by Milford police late that night.

        Mr. Mills was working at a Sav-a-Lot store when he was arrested.

        Prosecutor Don White said the teen had been beaten with a blunt instrument, and the fire was set in an attempt to cover up the slaying.

        Chris, who lived with his grandparents — who were his legal guardians — recently ac cepted a job at Kroger and hoped to pursue a career in business management.

        Mr. Mills is a convicted sex-offender, having pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition in April 1991 for having sex with a child under the age of 13 on Dec. 23, 1990.

        He was sentenced to two to five years in prison, but a judge suspend the sentence and placed him on five years' probation, Clermont County Common Pleas Court records show.

        Within a year, Mr. Mills was back in court on another charge of gross sexual imposition involving sex with a minor.

        For the parole violation, he was sentenced to a prison term of not less than two years, but was released prior to completing that sentence, the prosecutor's office said.

Nordstrom won't build downtown after all
Kings Island sues over Son of Beast coaster
Every gift counts for those in need
Blacks say fight won't stop
Norwood school levy wins recount
SAMPLES: Of true heroism
Census report shows wages up in N.Ky.
Widow won't be charged after shooting husband
Building is reminder of Milford's history
Co-worker has fund raiser to buy wheelchair
Coal ponds pose no immediate threat, federal officials say
CROWLEY: Here's who ought to be feeling thankful today
Death penalty sought in slaying of Milford 15-year-old
Efforts yield big 'family' meal
Headaches hit travelers
Help sought for needy families on holiday
Kids off to good start
Madeira Latin teacher receives award
Man helps make feast for families
Man who tortured girl gets 55 years in prison
Murder trial to be delayed
Official: Some charges 'weak'
Police make arrest in 23-year-old slaying
Two schools, two outcomes
Wider lead prevents recount
Worker sentenced for theft from animal clinic
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report