Eric Millerberg, charged in teen's death, makes initial court appearance

OGDEN — Eric Millerberg appeared by video conference in front of a judge in Ogden Friday morning to hear the charges against him in the death of Alexis Rasmussen.

He looked forward and then down at the ground as the charges against him were read. First, child abuse homicide, a first-degree felony, followed by obstructing justice, a second-degree felony, desecration of a human body, and unlawful sexual activity with a minor, both third-degree felonies.

Millerberg rarely spoke in the hearing, only answering "yes" when asked questions.

During the hearing, the judge indicated attorney Randall Marshall would be appointed to defend Millerberg against the charges.

Millerberg will remain in jail as he awaits his next court date, currently scheduled for Feb 14. A preliminary hearing was set for April 9.

Dea Millerberg, Eric Millerberg's wife, was not a part of Friday morning's court appearance. She is also facing a third-degree felony desecration of a human body charge and will have her first appearance on the charge Feb. 22. She is currently out on bond.

Weber County Attorney Dee Smith announced the charges against the couple on Tuesday.

The North Ogden teen was last seen Sept. 10, 2011, when her family said she went to the home of Eric and Dea Millerberg to babysit.

Her body was found Oct. 18 near a river in Morgan County. Sometime during the late hours of Sept. 10 and early morning on Sept. 11 inside the Millerberg residence, Alexis died of an overdose from drugs provided by Eric Millerberg, Smith said.

— Randall Jeppesen