“Losing him is not over. Every night, every day, every move we make — he’s in our thoughts,” said Roman Miller’s father, Delroy.
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Roman Miller liked to make people laugh. He knew how to lighten a room.
In fact, he was the “light in the room,” according to his sister, Ava-Daun Miller.
That light only shines in memories now.
On July 29, 2023, the 32-year-old was fatally shot on the 2100 block of Broad Street in Regina, according to police.
Officers were dispatched to the scene at 2:25 a.m., according to a news release from that date. It indicated that Roman, whose name was not released publicly at the time, was pronounced dead on scene by paramedics.
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His dad, Delroy Miller, remembers the phone call.
“Somebody said ‘Roman is shot and he’s laying in the road,’ ” he recounted to reporters at a news conference Thursday.
“That was one of the most painful things a father could ever think of.”
The pain is still acute for the family.
“Losing him is not over. Every night, every day, every move we make — he’s in our thoughts,” Delroy said.
Ava-Daun described her brother as being “the most authentic person you would meet,” who was never ashamed of who he was and considered everyone family.
She paused.
“He just had a lot of life,” she said, her voice wavering under the weight of the statement’s past tense.
One suspect wanted in connection with the shooting, Shedrek Samuel, turned himself in to police and now faces a charge of first-degree murder.
The other, Daniel “Juma” Drie Atem, is still wanted for first-degree murder by the Regina Police Service (RPS).
An announcement about efforts to locate Atem brought Roman’s family to RPS headquarters Thursday.
In April, Atem was placed on a list of Canada’s 25 most wanted fugitives. Thursday, a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Atem’s arrest was announced during the news conference.
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The list and the reward are managed by what’s known as the BOLO Program (an acronym for be on the lookout).
The ratcheting up of efforts to find Atem is also meant to include a billboard campaign in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Roman’s family offered thanks to those working on the case and added their voice to those calling for the public’s help to locate Atem.
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“We’re not looking for witnesses or people to testify,” RPS Deputy Chief Trent Stevely told those in attendance Thursday.
“This case is ready to go to trial.”
He issued a warning to the “associates and friends” of Atem, saying they may face charges for being an accessory after the fact.
“If you assist him in evading arrest, you will be arrested.”
He urged those with information about Atem’s whereabouts to reach out and noted the reward money available.
Then he turned his attention to delivering a message for Atem himself.
“Sooner or later, you will be apprehended,” he asserted.
“Do the right thing. Call a lawyer and turn yourself in.”
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BOLO Program director Max Langlois said the “amplification campaign” to catch Atem will be “seen by millions of people.”
“The only condition for this reward to be yours, is for the tip you submit to lead to the arrest of Mr. Atem.”
Atem’s “eventual trial” has nothing to do with the reward, he said.
He explained that tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers and the reward can also be claimed anonymously.
The reward, he said, is only being offered until June 3, 2025.
“So if you have something to say, say it now.”
Langlois explained that the reward is described as “up to” $50,000, as there may be a scenario in which two tips come in at the same time, both leading to Atem’s arrest, in which case the reward money would be split.
“There could also be a situation in which a partial reward is paid for a tip that makes the investigation progress but doesn’t lead to an immediate arrest,” he said.
Atem is described as 6-foot-3, roughly 140 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, a dark complexion and thin build.
The BOLO Program website indicates tips on Atem can submitted by calling the RPS at 306-777-6500 or through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Tips to Crime Stoppers can also be submitted online at reginacrimestoppers.ca/.
Evidence regarding who is responsible for Roman’s death has not yet been tested in court.
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