Answers demanded in Donora man’s death

John “Koo Koo” Miller died five days after reportedly being tased by police.

More than a week after John “Koo Koo” Miller died following an encounter with Donora police, family and friends are still waiting for answers.

Miller, 57, died March 22, five days after an incident with Donora police outside Donora Towers, where he had lived for less than three weeks after returning to Cement City from out of state.

Miller lost consciousness during the March 17 encounter, in which a Taser was reportedly used.

With few details released publicly, Miller’s family, friends and neighbors have been left searching for answers.

On Friday evening, dozens gathered outside Donora Towers for a candlelight vigil in his memory. Red, star-shaped balloons lined Meldon Avenue as family and friends shared stories about Miller and vowed he would not be forgotten.

On Monday, flowers, candles and photographs still surrounded a memorial across from the building. Danielle Payne, a family friend who organized the vigil, sat quietly beside it.

She said Miller was deeply loved by those who knew him.

Payne said she was close to Miller, who served as a father figure to her daughter from a young age. She said he was also deeply devoted to his three children and three grandchildren.

“He was awesome, he was a good father, a great grandfather and uncle, a nephew, a fantastic friend,” Payne said. “He was a good person.”

Payne said after learning Miller had died, she felt she could not let the matter go.

“At the end of the day, he was a Donora citizen, and it’s sad to think this is how we treat our own. He was a human being.”

Police were initially called to Donora Towers on March 17 for another incident that did not involve Miller.

She said family and friends have been told Miller was later recognized by officers as someone wanted on a DUI warrant. He was confronted by police and allegedly ran.

She said relatives have since questioned whether any active warrant existed.

The Mon Valley Independent was not able to independently confirm whether there was an active warrant for Miller as of press time Monday.

Payne also said she wonders if Miller actually ran from officers, as has been suggested.

“His back was turned, I don’t necessarily believe he ran, but even if he did, what justifies or is the protocol for deploying a Taser?” Payne said. “He was a 57-year-old man, they could have easily chased him down without using that type of force. This could have went down differently, ways that didn’t end like this.”

Miller was taken by ambulance to Penn Highlands Mon Valley before being transferred to a Pittsburgh hospital, where he died.

“He had a heart attack, went into a coma and never woke up,” she said.

Donora police have not publicly offered details of the incident.

The department has confirmed it is cooperating with state police for the external investigation.

Payne said in the days since Miller’s death, the family has received little information.

“We really don’t know anything,” she said. “His son was told if he wanted a police report from Donora, he should contact an attorney. We know state police came here to the high rise to ask for camera footage, but we don’t know if it was provided or if they have looked at it.”

Payne said Miller had recently returned home to Donora after living out of state for several years.

He moved back less than a month before his death and rented an apartment to be closer to his loved ones.

“He wasn’t even home for three weeks,” Payne said. “When he got home and I saw him, I gave him the biggest hug and a kiss and I didn’t think it would be the last time. When something like this happens, you never think the last time will be the last time.”

Payne said her grief has changed in the days since Miller’s death.

“I think I was in denial at first, I think a lot of us were,” she said. “We’re heartbroken and hurting. And sitting here now, I am angry because this should not have happened, I should not be sitting here right now next to his picture, I should be sitting next to him.”

Payne said she keeps thinking about the life Miller should still be living and the moments his loved ones should still be sharing with him.

“We’re not supposed to be doing this, we should be sitting here with him right now listening to his jokes, him making us laugh, but he’s not and it didn’t have to be this way,” she said. “He came home to be closer to his family and his friends. That’s all he wanted, is to be with the people he loved.”

While the investigation continues, Payne said she does not intend to stop pushing for answers.

“I couldn’t sleep at night, seeing his face, and not do something,” she said. “So, they (police) will have to see his face when they drive past here. They will remember his face and his name because he deserves that. He was a father, a grandfather, a son, a friend. They killed the wrong person. I can’t let this go.”

Payne said she understands police have a difficult job, but questioned whether officers acted appropriately.

“They have a job to protect and serve, but what about protecting and serving us?” she said. “The police need policed, period. We’re all one big community here, how does this happen to one of us?”

She said the family has not been updated about where the investigation stands, though she heard the officer, who has not been publicly identified, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The MVI was not able to independently confirm that information.

Donora police Chief Mark Shemansky did not return a phone call seeking comment by press time Monday.

“We want closure, but more than that we want facts. We want answers. We want to know the protocol and why that type of force was used on a 57-year-old man. We want to know why this happened,” Payne said.

On Monday, Donora Mayor Don Pavelko offered his condolences to Miller’s family and said the borough is waiting for the state police investigation to conclude.

“I don’t have details on the investigation, but I will say when the investigation is done, the truth will come out one way or another and Donora Borough will be transparent,” Pavelko said. “I can promise that.”

Pavelko confirmed Donora police are actively cooperating with PSP as they conduct their external review.

On Monday, the MVI asked Pennsylvania State Police for additional information about the investigation, including who is handling the case, whether investigators have reviewed body camera footage, Taser data, witness statements and medical records, and whether an autopsy has been completed.

The MVI also asked whether investigators have determined why a Taser was used, how many times it was deployed, whether the case could be referred to the Washington County District Attorney or another agency and when findings may be released.

Trooper Kalee Barnhart, public information officer for Troop B, said she is looking into the matter but had not provided additional information before press time.

Funeral services for Miller were held Saturday at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Donora.

A GoFundMe organized by his son, Byron Miller, has been created to help with those expenses.

The fundraiser describes Miller as “deeply loved and known by many across different communities, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him.”

“Any contribution, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated and will go toward ensuring he receives the dignity and support he deserves,” the fundraiser states.

Additional information about the fundraiser is available on the family’s GoFundMe page that can be found under “Support for John “Koo Koo” Miller’s Arrangements.”

Nearly $4,000 had been raised as of press time.

“He was a 57-year-old man, they could have easily chased him down without using that type of force. This could have went down differently, ways that didn’t end like this.”

DANIELLE PAYNE