JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — A 39-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the 2020 shooting deaths of two men in Rogue River, Oregon. Joshua Robert Miller pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree manslaughter and two counts of second-degree abuse of a corpse in connection with the November 4, 2020, deaths of Duane and Shane Roork.
The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office reported that on the day of the incident, law enforcement responded to a shooting at a hemp farm located on East Evans Creek Road in Rogue River. Authorities learned from witnesses that Miller had shot both Duane and Shane Roork during an argument and then fled the scene with their bodies.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) quickly activated the Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU), which includes detectives from various local law enforcement agencies, including the Oregon State Police and the Medford Police Department. A manhunt for Miller was initiated, and the United States Marshals Service assisted in the search. Two days later, Miller was apprehended at a nearby residence on November 6, 2020.
Witnesses at the scene told investigators that Duane and Shane Roork had arrived at the farm to retrieve personal property. Miller, who was reportedly agitated by their unexpected arrival and the presence of a second vehicle, engaged in a heated argument with Duane Roork regarding money. Following the argument, Miller shot both men and also fired at the second vehicle as it left the scene. He then loaded their bodies into a side-by-side vehicle and fled.
The bodies of Duane and Shane Roork were later discovered about half a mile from the scene, on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property. Miller later claimed during interviews with investigators that he believed he was being threatened by the victims and acted in self-defense.
Despite his claims, Miller pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with an additional three years of post-prison supervision. The sentencing also included provisions for Miller to pay restitution to cover funeral costs. The Roork family was consulted during the plea negotiations.
The case underscores the gravity of violent actions and the profound effects they have on victims’ families and the community at large. The swift response from law enforcement and the eventual conviction of Miller bring some closure to a tragic incident that deeply affected the Rogue River area.