Harrison Thorp 11:14 a.m.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018 11:17 am
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ROCHESTER - The father of a woman fatally shot almost three months ago near the Rochester Friendly's restaurant on South Main Street said today he continues to be devastated by the loss of his daughter, but he's hanging on and hoping for justice.
"You do the best you can, what else can you do," said Edward Miller Sr., who lives in Raymond where his daughter grew up.
Billy Jo Ahearn, 24, died in the early morning hours of June 6 after being shot around midnight.
The incident unfolded as officers responded to the area for a reported shooting that apparently involved two groups of people.
Upon arrival, officers discovered three adults, including Ahearn who had sustained a gunshot wound. She died later that night at a local hospital.
Miller said at the time of the shooting his daughter had hooked up with friends but was not a Rochester resident.
He said he was frustrated with the pace of the investigation, but believes Rochester Police are doing the best they can.
"You can't find out anything, but I don't believe there's any lack of effort whatsoever," he said. "It's got to be a lot more complicated than we know. We don't know the circumstances; that was my daughter and I don't' know the whole story."
Immediately following the shooting police combed the neighborhood searching the grounds as well as trash receptacles for the weapon used. The also searched a home at 50 Lafayette St. and the waters of the Cocheco River behind the courthouse.
While Miller said his daughter struggled with addiction, he doesn't necessarily believe her death arose from a drug deal gone awry as many neighborhood residents have said.
"I don't' think the crime was drug related," he said. "But again, I don't know."
Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley told The Rochester Voice today Rochester Police detectives and he are still actively working the case.
"We continue to work with Rochester detectives, but there is nothing new I can release," Hinckley said.
Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Detective Geoff Moore at the Rochester Police Department at (603) 330-7140.