‘Mixed emotions’: Family of Roman Miller reflects on arrest in murder case

Kevaun and Ava Daun Miller were present in Saskatchewan Provincial Court on Monday morning, to see the man accused of killing their brother make his first appearance. (Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

The loved ones of Roman Miller were present in provincial court on Monday morning, as Daniel ‘Juma’ Atem made his first appearance in relation to Miller’s 2023 death.

“We are just grateful that he [Atem] is in custody and so we can now focus on moving forward with the trial. We’re just grateful for the BOLO program, ” Roman’s sister, Ava Daun Miller, told CTV News.

Atem is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of failure to comply with conditions of release, and an additional count of failure to appear.

Miller was fatally shot outside of a downtown Regina business on the 2100 block of Broad Street on July 29, 2023. A second suspect turned himself in to police in February of 2024.

The accused was caught after he was added to Canada’s Top 25 Most Wanted List, courtesy of the BOLO program (Be On The Lookout), which was created to catch wanted criminals across Canada.

For Roman’s family, it has been a difficult week.

“I was just missing my brother ... We’re happy that [Atem] is in custody, seeing him for the first time because I’ve never seen him before was overwhelming,” Ava said.

“But, it just sunk in that we’ll never get Roman back. But we’re happy that the program worked.”

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Roman’s brother, Kevaun, had similar feelings.

“It was honestly mixed emotions. Part of me was thinking this isn’t going to bring Roman back, but it’s still what’s needed ... definitely mixed emotions, but yeah. Happy,” he explained. “Thank you for the BOLO program and what they’ve did definitely went a long way.”

Atem appeared before the court in-person and will remain in custody until his next appearance on the morning of Feb. 3rd.

While the future of this matter is currently in the hands of the justice system, Roman Miller’s loved ones remain focused on keeping his memory alive.

“He was just somebody that’s full of life,” Ava said. “He loved everyone. He considered everyone. His family. And he is a giver. And he just loved sharing laughter and love, sharing like experiences with others. Like he was just, an amazing person.”

“Nothing will ever be the same without him,” Kevaun added. “I miss him. I love him, he was enjoyable to be around. He is just a lovable, fun-loving guy. Everybody loved him.”

-With files from David Prisciak