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MILLARD COUNTY - The brother of slain Millard County Sheriff's deputy Josie Fox was found dead Thursday in Las Vegas.
Millard County Sheriff Robert Dekker confirmed that Ryan Greathouse, 40, died of what he said was "an indeterminate cause." He added that he had the sad duty once again, to inform the Greathouse family of a child's death.
The Clark County Coroner's office reported that Greathouse was found in a bedroom in Las Vegas and pronounced dead around 1 p.m. Thursday.
Deputy Fox was shot and killed Jan. 5, just outside of Delta.
Her brother, Ryan, was reported to have just purchased drugs from her accused killer, Roberto Roman, as she and another deputy watched the cars' headlights from a distance.
Another deputy went to confront Greathouse, while Deputy Fox stopped the other vehicle. It is believed she was shot before she ever spoke to the driver.
Roman was captured after an intensive statewide manhunt the following day.
Exactly how critical of a witness Greathouse is to the pending murder case against Roman is unclear. Both the Millard County prosecutors and Roman's attorney declined to respond Friday to how Greathouse's death could impact the case.
However, it was after Greathouse was informed his sister was dead that he told police from whom he had purchased drugs. That information led investigators to track Roman's cell phone to Salt Lake City.
He also reportedly told officers Roman would "shoot a cop if they stopped" him.
SWAT teams stormed the area, but Roman escaped.
It was later learned he was evacuated with other residents because he was believed to be hiding in a nearby house.
A search of court records shows no criminal charges were ever filed against Greathouse relating to the drug deal.
Millard County prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty against Roman if he is convicted. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in August.
Las Vegas Metro police wouldn't release any information about Greathouse's death, citing an ongoing investigation.
The Coroner's office says that autopsy results are pending and won't be available for several weeks.
Funeral arrangements for Greathouse are also pending.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
