Randy Miller murder | 2 years later, relatives seek justice for Apex man's killing on fishing trip

APEX, N.C. (WTVD) — Friends and family have raised an additional $20,000 reward as authorities continue to investigate the murder of 65-year-old Randy Miller.

“My husband had a lot of life left to live,” said his widow, Susan Miller, as she sat in their home in Apex.

His close friend John McAlpin added: “The closer the anniversary of his death comes, the more difficult it becomes.”

Thursday marks the two-year anniversary of Miller's death in Atlantic Beach. He and McAlpin were on a fishing trip. Miller was outside McAlpin's vacation home, loading his truck, when someone crept up behind him and stabbed him.

“How could this happen so randomly, when I was walking out of my garage and suddenly someone for no reason, who didn't know Randy or anything else, just decided to do something so cruel,” McAlpin said.

Before the attack, police reported that surveillance cameras in the neighborhood recorded suspicious people walking down the street and attempting to break into cars. According to ABC affiliate WCTI, investigators said some of the suspects used a silver or light-colored Volkswagen CC, model year 2013 to 2017, to get away from the scene.

“It was tough. Randy was my rock. He took care of me and was always there for me,” said Susan Miller.

It was the first murder in the city in a decade and only the third in its history.

“I know how difficult this is, but I would have thought something would happen within two years. But I'm optimistic it will happen,” said McAlpin, who said he plans to meet with authorities next week.

As part of the latest fundraising campaign, a reward of $75,000 has now been offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.

“I hope and pray every day that I get that call,” Susan Miller said. “It won't bring Randy back, but I'll feel a little better knowing he won't get a chance to do that to another human being.”

If you know anything about this case, call the Atlantic Beach Police Department at (252) 726-2523, the State Bureau of Investigation or CrimeStoppers.

“I think I spend more time appreciating the time I had with Randy and the life we ​​had together,” McAlpin said.