In the summer of 1927, the community of Leighton, Alabama, was shaken by the violent death of one of its own. Thomas P. Miller, a White male and the Sheriff of Colbert County, became the victim of a fatal shooting on Sunday, June 12, 1927. The unfortunate event unfolded at the Poplar Creek Church, where Sheriff Miller was attending an all-day singing, a common social and religious gathering of the time.
While at the church, a man who harbored a personal grudge against the sheriff opened fire, striking Miller. The attack was sudden and left the Sheriff with grave injuries. For two days, he fought for his life, but ultimately succumbed to his wounds on Tuesday, June 14, 1927. His death marked a somber day for the law enforcement community and the residents of Colbert County who had entrusted him with their safety.
Following the shooting, the perpetrator was apprehended by authorities. The ensuing legal process found the suspect guilty of murder. As a consequence of his actions, the individual responsible for the death of Sheriff Thomas P. Miller was sentenced to life in prison. The motive, as documented, was a personal vendetta the man held against the sheriff.
