Nevada State Prison Inmate Case Files
John Millian
John Millian was convicted of murdering Julia Bulette before being hanged in Storey County, Nevada. The murder of Julia Bulette is one of the most famous incidents in Nevada history; her murder has been the subject of many books and also of much speculation.
Bulette, a prostitute, was found dead at her home on the corner of Union and D Streets in Virginia City, Nevada on January 20, 1867. She died of strangulation and blows to the right temple and right eye by the use of a blunt instrument. Julia Bulette was extremely popular in Virginia City, so her death caused quite a sensation.
Millian, a native of France who spoke little English, was arrested and tried for murder. The trial did not last long and he was sentenced to death by hanging. Millian's appeal went to the Supreme Court of Nevada, but the Court refused to reverse his conviction. Millian was duly hanged in Virginia City on April 24, 1868 in front of a huge throng, believed to be one of the largest gatherings in Nevada up to that time. Mark Twain, visiting the Comstock on a lecture tour, witnessed the execution.
Illustration: "Life and Confession of John Millian"
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