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Harold “Hal” Miller Jr. vanished in June. His minivan was later found abandoned in Pennsauken, and inside it investigators discovered a cell phone. The last call made on that phone was placed to someone saved as “E. Poker.”
What began as a missing-person mystery quickly turned into one of the most disturbing homicide investigations Camden County detectives have handled in years. Authorities say they uncovered evidence that Miller was shot and then dismembered with a chainsaw in a Camden home. Investigators believe the contact listed as “E. Poker” on his phone, a man named Everton Thomas, is responsible.
Thomas, 41, has been charged with murder, desecration of human remains, and tampering with evidence. His wife, Sherrie Thomas, 41, and his son, 23-year-old Deshawn Thomas, also face charges connected to the alleged disposal of Miller’s remains.
More than five months later, Miller’s body has still not been found.
“It is a horrible waiting game,” said Miller’s ex-wife, Tamika Miller, whose four children are now living without their father with no way to properly say goodbye. “The hope is that we can bring him home.”
A father remembered
Miller, who was 48, spent years working in Camden’s social service programs, including roles with Volunteers of America and Joseph House. He dedicated much of his life to helping people living through hardship, even through struggles of his own. In 2017, he pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge and served five years in prison, later working to rebuild his life.
Tamika Miller said that despite their divorce the family remained close. Holidays were big. He would rent a hall, cook multiple turkeys including his beloved fried turkey, and bring relatives together from all over.
“He was an awesome father,” she said, proudly describing how he celebrated their daughter earning her college degree and their son joining the U.S. Navy. “The holidays will never be the same.”
The day everything changed
Investigators say Miller’s last known movements were recorded on June 12. Surveillance cameras reportedly show him walking up the back stairs of Thomas’ Baird Boulevard home shortly after making that final call at 11:26 a.m. Minutes later, the same cameras captured what prosecutors believe was the sound of a gunshot.
He was never seen leaving the house.
Court records say video then shows Thomas driving away in Miller’s minivan before abandoning it in Pennsauken. Later, Thomas’ wife and son allegedly purchased bleach, contractor bags, gloves, ice, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and a chainsaw.
Detectives say the three were later seen dumping black trash bags behind a nearby apartment complex.
A phone belonging to Deshawn Thomas reportedly contained searches asking whether a chainsaw could cut through human flesh.
During a search of the home eight days after Miller disappeared, police say they found a loaded Glock handgun and blood in the basement. DNA tests later confirmed it was Miller’s.
Tamika Miller said the two men were only acquaintances, nothing more. “Everybody knows everybody in Camden,” she said.
In an interview with detectives, Thomas admitted he and Miller played poker the night before Miller vanished and that they spoke again on the morning he disappeared. He denied involvement in the killing.
Authorities believe Thomas crossed the Canadian border the next day. He was arrested on September 8 when officials say he tried to re-enter the United States. He remains jailed and is expected to plead not guilty at a court hearing on December 15, according to his attorney.
The search continues
Even with three people charged in the killing, detectives continue the effort Miller’s family cares about most: finding his remains.
“As we near the end of the year, our detectives are still seeking leads, no matter how small, that would assist with the recovery of Mr. Miller’s remains,” said Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay. “His family deserves answers and the chance to mourn.”
Tamika Miller said a memorial service has already been held, but there can be no true closure until he is found.
“We do not know if they will ever find him,” she said. “But we have hope.”
Have information
Anyone who knows anything about Miller’s disappearance or where his remains may be located is urged to contact:
Detective Jake Siegfried, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit: 856-225-5086
Detective Andrew Mogck, Camden County Police Department: 609-519-8588
Anonymous tips may also be submitted at:
https://camdencountypros.org/tips