Bio

Miran Edgar Thompson was born on December 16, 1917. He grew up in a time of great change in America. Most details about his early life are not clear, but he was from Texas. As a young man, he faced challenges that shaped his future.

Thompson's life took a turn when he began to engage in criminal activity. By his late teens, he was involved in serious crimes, which eventually led to multiple arrests. His criminal behavior included burglary, which would be a significant part of his history. This path of crime would lead him down a dangerous road.

In March 1945, while being transported after an arrest, Thompson shot and killed Amarillo police officer Detective Lemuel Dodd Savage. This tragic event would further escalate his legal troubles. He was apprehended after kidnapping three others while trying to escape.

Thompson had a reputation for being elusive. He attempted to escape from custody several times. By October 1945, he was transferred to Alcatraz, a high-security prison in California. At this point, he was serving a life sentence plus 99 years for his crimes.

While at Alcatraz, Thompson continued to attempt escapes. His involvement in a notable escape attempt in May 1946 would later define his life. This effort was characterized by violence and chaos, leading to serious consequences in the prison. Thompson would eventually face trial, which resulted in a death sentence for his actions.

His life came to an end when he was executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin on December 3, 1948.

Murder Story

Miran Edgar Thompson murdered Detective Lemuel Dodd Savage on March 1945 during a police transport. Thompson had been arrested for burglary, and while being taken to jail, he revealed a hidden gun. He shot Savage as they were driving, which led to Savage's death. After the shooting, Thompson kidnapped three people before he was caught.

Thompson was then sent to Alcatraz prison. While in Alcatraz, on May 2, 1946, he participated in a violent escape attempt. Thompson, along with five other inmates, gained access to firearms and took control of the prison's cell house. During this chaotic event, Correctional Officers Harold Stites and William Miller were killed. The escape turned into a standoff that lasted for almost two days.

The prison authorities eventually regained control, and Thompson faced trial for his actions. He was found guilty of inciting violence that led to the deaths of the correctional officers. On December 3, 1948, Miran Edgar Thompson was executed by asphyxiation gas in San Quentin prison for his role in the Battle of Alcatraz and the other murders he committed.