Police: Victim failed to seek further help

A murder warrant was issued against Regina Miller's boyfriend.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Two weeks before Regina Miller died in her boyfriend's bed -- her eyes puffy and black and blue -- she reported being beaten by him, police said.
Miller, 28, of Forestview Avenue, never followed through after calling police on Oct. 8, Patrolwoman Sue Ellis, an investigator with the Crisis Intervention Unit, said Monday. Miller told police that Lee Johnson Jr. punched her and threw her through a front window when she told him to leave her East Side home.
Ellis, whose messages left at Miller's residence went unanswered after the attack, intended to pursue a domestic-violence charge on the woman's behalf. The officer, noting October is Domestic Violence Month, said a lot of women are afraid to pursue charges because they fear retaliation or are ashamed.
Probable homicide
Lt. Robin Lees said Miller's death is being investigated as a homicide, the city's 31st of 2005, pending a ruling from the coroner. A murder warrant was issued Monday against Johnson, the clerk of court's office said.
Lees said Detective Sgt. Gerry Maietta wants Johnson, 33, of Samuel Avenue, to turn himself in for questioning.
Miller was found dead around 4 a.m. Sunday at Johnson's South Side residence. Johnson's father, who called police from a payphone, said his son had gotten into a fight with Miller and then they both fell asleep. After telling his father what happened, Johnson left for whereabouts unknown.
Miller was found lying on her back when police arrived. She was wearing shoes, jeans and a partially unstrapped bra. Paramedics found no pulse.
Ellis said Johnson has a history of domestic violence. She said that, aside from this month, domestic violence reports also were filed in August and September against him.
Johnson's record includes a felony drug conviction, according to Mahoning County Common Pleas Court records.
meade@vindy.com