Authorities ask for help in locating family of twin elderly South Lake Tahoe sisters found dead

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in locating family members of elderly twins, Patricia and Joan Miller, 73, who were found dead in their South Lake Tahoe home on February 26. The nature of their deaths hasn't been determined, however, foul play has been ruled out, said Sheriff's Lt. Bryan Golmitz. The cause and manner of death is still being investigated by El Dorado County Sheriff’s detectives and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department.

While the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office does not routinely release the names of deceased individuals without first contacting the next of kin, this case is unique, Golmitz said. Sheriff’s detectives have been unable to locate any relatives of Patricia and Joan Miller and are appealing to the public for help. With the assistance of long time friends and acquaintances, detectives have learned the following:

Patricia and Joan Miller were entertainers in the Bay Area. They regularly appeared on a weekly television show called “The Hoffman Hayride” in the 1950’s. They also entertained troops at several military bases. Their parents were heavily involved in their entertainment business. Their mother played the piano for them.

Patricia and Joan Miller were originally from Portland, Oregon. Patricia and Joan reportedly never married. They were nearly always dependent on one another their entire lives. Information surfaced indicating The Millers might have living relatives in the Portland area, but detectives have not been able to confirm this information.

Anyone with information regarding the Patricia and Joan Miller is asked to contact Detective Matt Harwood at 530-573-3015.