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The loved ones of Roman Miller held each other in a tight embrace outside Regina Provincial Court on Monday after the judge adjourned Daniel “Juma” Atem’s case to a later date during his first court appearance.
“He (Roman) was just somebody that’s full of life,” said his sister Ava-Daun. “He loved everyone. He considered everyone his family.”
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Atem has been on the run from police after being charged with first-degree murder in the death of 32-year-old Miller in July 2023 in the 2100 block of Broad Street, where he was declared dead by EMS.
Police found Atem in Winnipeg last week after over a year of searching.
Seeing Atem for the first time in-person was an “overwhelming” experience for Ava-Daun. “It just sunk in that we’ll never get Roman back,” she said.
Roman’s sister, Ava-Daun, said her brother lit up every room he went into. (Submitted)
Atem, who sat at number 14 on Canada’s most wanted list, stood glancing around the courtroom while the judge read his charges of first-degree murder, two counts of failing to comply with release conditions, and a new count of failing to appear in court.
The judge chose to keep Atem in custody after both the federal and provincial Crown prosecutors opposed to his release.
Atem claimed he had a lawyer, who did not appear in person or by phone, but asked to have Atem’s matters adjourned for a few weeks.
When the judge marked Atem’s next court date for Feb. 3, about 20 of Miller’s loved ones stood and left the courtroom.
About 20 of Miller’s loved ones showed up for Atem’s first court appearance on Jan. 20, 2025. (Gillian Massie/ 980 CJME)
Miller’s brother Kevaun said Atem’s arrest left behind a complicated mix of emotions.
“Part of me was thinking, this isn’t gonna bring Roman back, but it’s still what’s needed,” Kevaun said. “It’s still what we’ve been waiting for.”
In April, a “Be on the Lookout”(Bolo) billboard campaign was launched offering up to $50,000 reward for tips leading to Atem’s arrest. Both Ava-Daun and Kevaun said they were grateful for the program.
In February 2024 Shedrek Samuel, a second suspect in the case, turned himself into police in British Columbia.
As the family prepares for Atem’s trial, Kevaun said he will continue to remember happier times with Roman.
“He was a gem… ,” he said. “Nothing will ever be the same without him, because I miss him, I love him.”
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