Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
DELTA -- Millard County prosecutors formally filed murder charges Thursday against the man accused of shooting and killing of Deputy Josie Fox. At the same time, Roberto Roman's family said he is innocent.
Thursday's hearing was simply to inform Roberto Roman of the charges against him, including evidence tampering and aggravated murder. It's the first step in what will likely be a long criminal case against him, which could ultimately lead to the death penalty if he is convicted.
Roberto Roman's parents, brother and cousins said they are in shock at seeing him in court.
Related:
Questions raised as to how Roman got a gun
There are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding Roberto Roman. A big one: Where did he, a convicted felon, get a gun? KSL News asked the investigating agency, the Utah County Sheriff's Office, that question Thursday."He says he is not guilty, so we just keep going. Like we say, our hearts go out to the family as well. We want everything to come out clear, but he says he is not guilty, so we are going to just keep going," said Mike Roman, Roberto Roman's brother.
When Roberto Roman was asked by the judge about an attorney, he said he could not afford one. Because prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, the judge will review qualified public defenders to take his case during his next court hearing, scheduled for Jan. 20. The judge also ruled Roberto Roman will be held without bail.
KSL News asked the prosecutors for their response to this case. They said they will be issuing a written statement at some point Friday.
Next door, at the Millard County Sheriff's Office, deputies were mourning Josie Fox, but continuing on in their work, as they believe she would have wanted them to do.
"We feel a deep loss at the loss of Deputy Fox," Sheriff Robert Dekker said. "We are professionals during our work. We have a tremendous staff, and they are doing what they are called upon to do. We miss her. We feel that emptiness."
Officers are wearing mourning bands around their badges in Fox's honor, and a blue light is on at the front desk of the sheriff's office.
Dekker said support pouring in from across the country is helping his deputies and the community cope with Fox's death.
"We appreciate the support we've felt, and it helps. People are really helping with their kind words and actions, things that they are doing for the family and for us, and we appreciate it," Dekker said.
The funeral for Deputy Josie Fox will be Monday morning at 11:00 in Delta. Police departments from throughout the state are expected to be represented, showing their support to her family and department.
A memorial fund for Deputy Josie Fox has been set up. If you wish, you may donate at any Zions Bank location under the name of Deputy Josie Fox.*
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com *KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
