Photo: wingsforjustice.com
She was a social justice advocate.
By Amy Lamare — Written on Apr 25, 2019
Wendi Miller is a 48-year-old mom of two from Costa Mesa, California who had been missing since Friday night. Her body was found Sunday in the luxury Newport Beach condo of former pro-hockey player Darren Partch. He was also found dead. The bodies were found by Partch's roommate who returned to the condo Sunday night after a weekend away. He told authorities he did not know who the woman was. She was later identified by the Orange County Coroner. There was no sign of forced entry at the condo despite the fact that an alleged double homicide took place. The police believe that this is an isolated incident. Miller had been missing since late Friday night. On Saturday, her son Luke Carpenter posted on Facebook pleading for information on where his mom may be. Who is Wendi Miller?
1. The Sandpiper bar
Wendi Miller and 38-year-old Darren Partch were hanging out at the Sandpiper bar in Laguna Beach on Friday night. Newport Beach resident James Kwast said Wendi drove them to Partch's condo. Kwast said: "They hit it off. They had a great time down in Laguna Beach. He needed a ride home. She was known for giving people rides home whenever they needed it."
2. She texted friends Saturday
A friend of Wendi Miller's told KCAL that Miller had texted friends early Saturday morning to let them know she was OK. The friend said: “From what I understand it just said, ‘We made it safely. Did you make it home OK?' She was checking in but she didn’t say where she was and she wasn’t home.”
3. She was a social justice advocate
Wendi Miller was the CEO of Wings for Justice, a Newport Beach nonprofit that advocates for children in the family court system. She was also an advocate for people who have experienced domestic violence. She was a licensed psychologist. She got her Bachelor's degree in Communications from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. She received her Master's degree in Counseling at Hope International University in Fullerton, California. The organization released the following statement on Wednesday: “We … are deeply grieving the loss of our dear friend and leader, Wendi Miller. We have had the privilege of working with this gifted visionary who not only poured her life into WFJ but, more than that, poured her life into each of us.”
4. She was shot
Miller's son Luke took to Facebook to post an emotional tribute to his mother. Authorites told him that she was shot and that she did not suffer. "First of all I want to say thank you for all the love and support from everyone. It’s way more than I could ever hope for. For those who don’t know my mother was found. She had been shot and it was told to us that she did not suffer. The police are still investigating all the details. Thank you for all the prayers and please don’t stop because I feel our family needs them even more now. I have no doubt in my mind that she was loved on earth and I’m happy that she gets to be loved even better in heaven. I love you mom"
5. Statement from Miller's family
Wendi Miller's family released a statement saying: “Wendi lit up every room she entered. She was an amazing, loving mother. She was joy and light and love.”
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call Detective Rick Henry at (949) 644-3797.
Amy Lamare is a Los Angeles based freelance writer covering entertainment, pop culture, beauty, fashion, fitness, technology, and the intersection of technology, business, and philanthropy. She is deeply devoted to her chocolate Labrador and an avid long distance runner. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.