All in the Family

Killer started his career by murdering kin.

Jim Miller’s first of many killings was close to home. In July 1884, he attended a tent revival meeting near Gatesville, Texas. Miller excused himself, saying he had a bad stomach. He then rode to his brother-in-law John Coop’s house and killed the man; he had been abusive to Miller’s sister. He rode back to the tent meeting, trying to establish an alibi. Miller was arrested and convicted. On appeal, the case was sent back to the lower court. But there’s no evidence that Miller faced a second trial.