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Incident
Jailer Ben Miller and Justice of the Peace Carter Inskeep were shot and killed by a suspect who had been arrested for drunkenness several days earlier. After his arrest the man created a list of city officials and citizens who he intended to kill, including Jailer Miller and Justice Inskeep.
After murdering one citizen and wounding several others, including a 6-year-old girl, the man went to Justice Inskeep's home and knocked on the door. When Justice Inskeep answered the door he was fatally shot. The man then went to the county jail and summoned Jailer Miller from his quarters and killed him.
The man returned home, where he was arrested a short time later by the county sheriff and a state patrolman. He was cleaning his gun at the time of his arrest.
The suspect was tried and convicted of Justice Inskeep's murder and sentenced to death. He was executed on May 9, 1930. He was the first person ever sentenced to death and executed in Hampshire County.
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- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Jailer Miller served with the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Romney community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Jailer Miller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Benjamin is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Benjamin is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Benjamin is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 3 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Benjamin was 60. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39.
Benjamin was 60. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Benjamin was 60. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.1% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Wednesdays: 17.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Hampshire County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 18.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Hampshire County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Benjamin among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Hampshire County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
