Restitution ordered for Bridger Hunt's bills

PROVO — Craig Miller sold his home, spent 21 days in jail and now lives out of an old RV.

But he knows it could be worse.

He could be 12 years old, relearning how to walk.

In October, Miller pleaded guilty to possessing explosive parts and reckless endangerment for the fireworks explosion on July 24 that nearly killed 11-year-old Bridger Hunt, who had been riding his bike nearby.

In December, Miller was sentenced to jail amid pleas for leniency from Bridger's mom, Mindy Carter-Shaw, who has continually said she holds no malice for Miller.

And in a quasi-conclusion Friday, Miller was ordered to pay $10,800 as restitution to Bridger's family, whose hospital bills reach $335,301.67.

Considering the huge amount, $300 a month doesn't seem like much, but it's literally all Miller has.

"He's doing OK," Miller's attorney, Mark Ethington, said after the restitution hearing in 4th District Court. "It's not the best of circumstances, but he's optimistic it will work out."

Times are rough, but Miller knows they're always going to be tougher for Bridger.

A monthly payment doesn't quite equate with lifelong nerve pain and going to junior high school in a wheelchair.

"It's been stated that it was fortunate for me that I didn't get hurt, and I was about 3 feet from the device," Miller told Judge Fred Howard during his sentencing in December. "It's not fortunate; I wish I would have died. I hurt a child by my actions."

Miller spent 21 days in the Utah County Jail and was ordered to spend 159 days on the jail's ankle GPS system; however, Howard released him as of March 15, so he can focus all his money toward restitution, not GPS costs.

The $10,800 represents the out-of-pocket costs for Bridger's family not covered by Medicaid.

The judge and attorneys considered Miller's ability to pay, which would have been nearly impossible had the entire amount been imposed, said prosecutor John Nielsen.

However, a review was scheduled in nine months to reevaluate the case and Miller's financial status, and more restitution could be ordered, Nielsen said.

After the accident, Bridger spent weeks in the hospital trying to stay alive, then months trying to regain feeling in his leg.

Now, almost six months later, Bridger, 12, is walking, with help, during physical therapy. He's also attending half-days of seventh grade five days a week at Orem Junior High School.