Officer Branch Miller
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
California
End of Watch: Thursday, August 20, 1925

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Accidental)
Date of Incident: Thursday, August 20, 1925
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Charged with murder

Officer Miller was accidentally shot and killed by other guards after six inmates took him hostage during an escape attempt. The prisoners were working in the wharf area of San Quentin Prison when they overpowered Officer Miller and forced him into a boat. Other guards saw men trying to escape but did not know that they had taken Officer Miller as a hostage. The guards opened fire, killing Officer Miller. The prisoners were able to continue their escape but were arrested approximately three miles away and were all charged with Officer Miller's murder.