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COLD CASE: Grandmother shot and killed in casino lot in 2005

Posted at 10:18 PM, Jun 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-17 01:18:28-04
13 Action News returned to the crime scene with the victim's daughter in the hopes of sparking new leads.  
 
Julie Miller was shot and killed in broad daylight on August 23, 2005 in the parking lot of the Suncoast Hotel and Casino. 
 
Detectives have worked every lead, but there's been no arrests in the case. 
 
"The robbery actually happened in the parking lot coming right up to that arch," said daughter Stephanisia Westbrook."It just gets more painful every year."
 
The 68-year-old, and her husband, Ronald Miller, had arrived for an early lunch when they were approached by a stranger.  The man pulled out a gun and demanded money, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.  
 
Westbrook was on the phone with her mom and heard part of the terrifying exchange. 
 
"I heard a bunch of noises, it sounded like a car door slamming," she said. 
 
At some point, the man opened fire.  
 
"They got me...that's all I heard," said Westbrook, "One shot went through my father, into my mother."
 
Julie, who was struck in the chest, did not survive. 
 
"She was vibrant, the most selfless loving woman anyone ever could have the privilege of knowing," said Westbrook.  
 
Police say the killer fled in a late model, white or silver, Dodge Magnum station wagon.  
 
They describe the suspect as a black male, approximately 30 years of age, 6' tall, thin to medium build, and light complected.  
 
Westbrook is hoping someone comes forward with new information.
 
"I beg them, I plead with them for the love of God come forward, give us some peace, give us some justice," she said. 
 
Detectives believe two other people were in the getaway car.  
 
The other victim, Ronald, survived the robbery, but has since died. 
 
Westbrook says her father developed severe dementia because of the trauma of that day. 
 
"The bullet may have killed my mom, but it also killed my dad, it just took three years," said Westbrook.
 
If you have any information on the case, you're asked to contact police by phone: (702) 828-3521 or email Homicide@lvmpd.com.  
 
Additionally, you can also contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555.