Over the course of six months, religiously, I went to physical therapy, some times three times a day. I
wanted to fully recover 100%, not be disabled and not a victim that had to live with scars and night mares
from the attack. When I left the hospital, I visited the site where my life changed and said this is the first step.
There was a reason this happened and I had to overcome my fears. To do this, I got involved in Support
Groups and realized that not every one was so lucky to survive and move forward with their lives in a positive
direction.
In January, 1991, Tony Rae Miller was sentenced to two life sentences in the State of Texas on 1st Degree
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and 1st Degree Intent to Kill. To victims, it is not what is lost
when you are victim, it is what is learned in recovery from being a victim. Several state laws were challenged
and amended as a result of this case and the District Attorney who prosecuted was remarkable. I have a lot
of respect for the detectives and officers who came to Baylor Hospital that night of the attack and promised
to find my attacker - even if I did not survive. To Detective Reedy, you are my hero for helping me get thru this
tragic event in my life. Thanks to Dr. Westmoreland who performed the five hour surgery to repair my brachial
artery only to write about it five years later in the medical journals. In my mind, there was no doubt that I would
fully recover and that night, I told him, I would play basketball again, just not on the same level that I desired.
I worked with Senator Don Nichols among other Senators and Congressman to get tougher laws on the
books in the State of Texas and on a Federal level for those who become a victim of a violent crime. The
addendum to the Victims of Crime Act passed in 1992 and this allowed for victims to be compensated for various
expenses. I felt that this was where my focus needed to be as many had a much tougher road than I towards
recovery and there are many who never survived, their families left with the heavy burden of loss.
In addition, since I worked for a telecom company at the time, I worked to get 911 installed and mandated in
every public paid telephone. Dallas County was one of the first in the nation to incorporate changes which was
within six months. CEO Bill Esry supported these efforts and helped me draft several proposals to the FCC.
Six months after the accident happened, the Hoop It Up tournament was going on in Dallas, Texas. This was
the first year, I was unable to play, but did manage to enter the Trident 3- Point Contest, shot against close to
300 participants and won the competition. It was a victory for myself to prove that one can overcome many
obstacles in life with a positive attitude and determination.
In November, 1992, I received a letter of commendation and award from the Director of the FBI for my efforts in
helping secure tougher laws for criminals of these offenses. It was presented by Dr. Ronald Keel and some day
I will post on this website. It was one of many awards that I received for my efforts over a two year period, but this
one meant more to me than any as it was for Fidelity, Heroism and Bravery.
To this day, unless you know this happened you will not see any noticeable scars or lack of use or feeling in
my left arm. I have had a miraculous recovery and now take better care of myself and hope my efforts have
helped a few make it thru their own life changing events. My story is told below in a news article four months
after the attack. And only recently have I given a few interviews of this ordeal only to be shared in a positive forum.
Jacqueline R.
Note: Tony Rae Miller is set to be released from jail this year.