Miller v. McBride

Paul Eugene Miller (plaintiff) was injured during multiple fights with other inmates. Miller initially requested that prison officials (defendants) place him in single-cell protective custody after he was threatened by several members of the Gangster Disciples, a prison gang. Although Miller was placed in protective custody, prison officials could not place him in a single cell because none were available. Months later, J. Grandberry, an alleged member of the Gangster Disciples, was transferred to protective custody as well. Other inmates began informing Miller that Grandberry was looking for him, and eventually, a fight ensued over Grandberry stealing Miller’s book. Miller did not inform prison officials of these issues. During the fight, Grandberry punched Miller several times and ruptured his eardrum. After being transferred to another dorm, Miller was again attacked by multiple gang-affiliated inmates. Thereafter, Miller was transferred to the general population. He filed suit against prison officials under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that their failure to protect him from other inmates constituted cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The district court granted summary judgment in favor of the prison officials, finding that their conduct did not amount to a deliberate indifference to Miller’s safety.