Zachary Miller, 34, was shot and killed after an early morning confrontation outside the Tropics bar in the 2700 block of North Broadway in north Wichita. The disturbance began on the patio after Miller and his girlfriend were denied entry to use the restroom following closing. Accounts say the dispute escalated when another man allegedly used a racial slur; gunfire broke out around 2 a.m. on November 10, 2024.

Officers found Miller with gunshot wounds to his torso and lower body; he was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:17 a.m. Police identified and interviewed a suspect who was taken into custody and later released. The Sedgwick County District Attorney announced no charges would be filed, citing insufficient evidence to overcome the shooter’s claim of self-defense. Miller is remembered by family and friends as a loyal, caring father of two who had played football at Butler Community College and in arena football after moving from South Carolina.

If anyone was at Tropics that night or has information that could shed further light on what happened, please come forward.