Suspect in Millard deputy killing makes first court appearance

FILLMORE — Family members of a man accused in the slaying of Millard County sheriff's deputy Josie Greathouse Fox proclaimed his innocence after he made his first appearance Thursday in 4th District Court.

A funereal silence hung over the Fillmore courtroom for 15 minutes before deputies brought in Roberto Miramontes Roman, 37, who was wearing an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs.

Roman is charged with aggravated murder, a capital offense, and tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony. Prosecutors have filed notice they intend to seek the death penalty.

Judge Donald J. Eyre read Roman his charges and rights, asking if Roman could hire an attorney.

"I can't afford an attorney," Roman said, agreeing to the offer of a court-appointed one

Roman told the judge he "used to" make $1,180 a month. His brother, Mike Roman, told reporters outside the courtroom that his brother worked for a dairy, but he did not know the name of the business.

Eyre approved a request by Millard County Deputy Attorney Patrick Finlinson that Roberto Roman be held without bail in the Millard County Jail. Eyre said the no-bail order was appropriate because he had reviewed a probable-cause statement and found "substantial evidence" that a capital offense had occurred.

Roberto Roman's next court appearance will be a status conference, set for Jan. 19 at 9 a.m. in Fillmore, to update the court's progress on appointing an attorney qualified to represent him in a capital case.

Security was tight Thursday, with courtroom observers subjected to closer-than-usual electronic and visual scrutiny as they entered the building. During Roberto Roman's appearance, 10 sheriff's deputies were posted throughout the courtroom, with another pair flanking Roberto Roman after he was seated.

Outside the courtroom, Mike Roman said his brother had told him he is not guilty, and he believes him.

"It's terrible to see a family member like that," Mike Roman said. "We want everything to come out. … He wouldn't do it. He just wouldn't. There's something going on."

"Our condolences to the other family, as well," said Juan Miramontes, Roberto Roman's cousin. "We're still kind of shocked this even happened."

Mike Roman said his brother has children but is not married. Roberto Roman's mother was also among the 10 family members in the courtroom.

Officials have said Ruben Chavez Reyes, who was arrested with Roman on Wednesday, could face identical charges to those filed against Roberto Roman. Reyes has not been formally charged but is in jail on an immigration hold.