How Alex Miller Survived 'The Worst Roommate Ever'

In February 2018, New York Magazine published “Worst Roommate Ever,” a feature chronicling the ultimate Craigslist nightmare. The article, which detailed the horrifying experience of Alex Miller at the hands of serial squatter Jamison Bachman, immediately went viral and has since then inspired both a Netflix^® series and an upcoming feature film. But what exactly happened, and how did Bachman earn the title of worst roommate ever?

Alex Miller Meets ‘Jed Creek’

In 2017, 31-year-old Alex Miller was looking for a roommate to help cover expenses in her Chestnut Hill home, located in an affluent neighborhood of Philadelphia. When “Jed Creek” responded to her online ad, he seemed like the ideal match. Creek introduced himself as a New York lawyer facing a family emergency that required him to be in Philadelphia temporarily. He brought along his dog and assured Miller he would be a responsible, respectful tenant. After a pleasant meeting, which included a walk in the park with their dogs, the two hit it off. Creek agreed to move in on the spot, paid the first month’s rent upfront and signed a rental agreement.

At first, Miller felt relieved to have found such a seemingly kind and polished roommate. But not long after Creek moved in, small red flags began to appear. Despite knowing about Miller’s severe allergies, he brought a cat into the home without warning. He started rearranging her furniture without asking, moving her dining room chairs into his bedroom to use as a makeshift desk. Then, when it came time to split the utility bill, Creek’s friendly demeanor vanished. His response to Miller’s request was a cold, “We can handle this in court if you would prefer,” as reported by AllThatsInteresting.com.

Discovering Creek’s Real Identity

Alarmed by Creek’s behavior, Miller confided in her mother, who began digging into her new roommate’s background. Their search revealed that “Jed Creek” was actually Jamison Bachman, a serial squatter with a long history of tormenting roommates up and down the East Coast. Armed with a law degree and deep knowledge of tenant laws, Bachman had a chilling pattern: move into homes under false pretenses, refuse to pay rent, and use legal loopholes to make eviction nearly impossible.

This discovery shocked Miller, but she wasn’t one to back down. Determined to reclaim her home, she devised a plan to force Bachman out.

Fighting Back Against a Serial Squatter

Miller and her friends hosted a loud house party to disrupt Bachman’s living situation. The group plastered walls with photos of Bachman’s previous victims and played rap music - something he despised. Infuriated, Bachman locked himself in his room but eventually emerged to confront the group. After dumping used cat litter in the toilet, he stormed out.

The relief was short-lived. Bachman returned the next morning, enraged, and armed with a knife. During a confrontation, he slashed Miller in the thigh. Miraculously, she escaped, and Bachman was arrested for the attack.

From Squatter to Murderer

Bachman’s manipulation and violence reached a tragic climax in November 2017. After being bailed out of jail by his brother Harry, Bachman asked to stay at Harry’s home in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. When Harry refused, Jamison’s anger boiled over and he allegedly beat his brother to death in a fit of rage.

After committing the murder, Bachman stole Harry’s credit card and car and fled the scene. When Harry failed to meet up with his wife later that evening as planned, she contacted the police, who discovered his body in the basement. The authorities launched a manhunt, locating Bachman in a hotel just seven miles away. He was arrested and charged with murder.

Though Bachman was in custody and awaiting trial, he would never face justice for his crimes. On Dec. 8, 2017, he was found dead in his jail cell, having hanged himself. His death brought an end to the reign of terror he had inflicted on so many, but not without leaving a trail of victims in his path.

References: The viral story of a serial squatter who forced a dozen people from their homes holds a sobering lesson for anyone in need of a roommate | The Story Of Jamison Bachman, The ‘Worst Roommate Ever’ - Who Ended Up In Jail For Murder | Story of Philly squatter from Netflix’s ‘Worst Roommate Ever’ to be made into movie