Robert Hugh Milligan, a 53-year-old white male, was a Deputy Sheriff with the Broward County Sheriff's Office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On August 9, 1978, while attempting to serve an eviction notice at an apartment located at 4042 NW 16th Street in Lauderhill, he was shot by a 32-year-old male suspect. The suspect, who was later identified as having mental health issues, fired a .25 caliber handgun at Deputy Milligan.
Despite immediate medical attention, Deputy Milligan succumbed to his injuries three days later, on August 12, 1978.
The suspect in the shooting was arrested and charged. However, during the subsequent legal proceedings, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. As a result, he was committed to a mental institution rather than being incarcerated in a traditional prison. This outcome was based on the determination that the suspect was suffering from severe mental illness at the time of the incident, which impaired his ability to understand the nature of his actions or distinguish right from wrong.
Deputy Milligan's death was a significant loss to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, where he had served for two years. Prior to joining the Sheriff's Office, he had a distinguished career with the Hollywood Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant before retiring. His dedication to law enforcement and his community was evident throughout his career.
The case of Deputy Milligan's death highlighted the challenges law enforcement officers face when dealing with individuals with mental health issues. It also underscored the importance of mental health resources and support for both the community and law enforcement personnel. The incident led to discussions and considerations regarding the protocols and training for officers serving eviction notices and handling potentially volatile situations involving mental health crises.
