Flagstaff History: Trial in Canyon Lodge murder ended in acquittal

100 years ago

1926: Acquittal of Harry (Indian) Miller, Apache chief “Crazy Thunder,” Saturday night drew spontaneous applause from the crowd of spectators and Judge J.E. Jones had to rap strenuously to restore order. Then the crowd pressed forward and congratulated Miller and his wife. The verdict, reached after less than two hours deliberation by the jury, was the conclusion of a trial that had occupied the entire week and in which there was an unusual interest because of the dramatic and picturesque details involved. Miller killed Elmer E. Cundiff of Canyon Lodge, from whom he rented his zoo, museum and residence grounds, on March 3 this year. The killing was in Miller’s home, the latter claiming Cundiff entered by the back door, reached for one of Miller’s guns, and Miller, fearing Cundiff had another of his insane spells, started toward him. They met, Cundiff shot, the bullet going through Miller’s shirt, and Miller grabbed the gun and shot Cundiff twice, in abdomen and head, killing him instantly. Miller was exonerated by a coroner’s jury, then at a preliminary hearing was bound over in the sum of $20,000 bail for superior court. He obtained bail.