Officer Mills was shot and killed when he surprised two burglars inside of a laundry and dry cleaning business. Two U.S. Marines, ages 19 and 20, were arrested and charged with his murder 10 days later.
Both men were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on October 15, 1952. One was paroled in January of 1970 and the other suspect was paroled in April of 1984.