Sergeant Jere Graham, 39, was killed on August 21, 1971, during the violent uprising at San Quentin State Prison that became known as the San Quentin Six riot. The disturbance began after a civil rights lawyer smuggled a 9 mm pistol and two magazines to an inmate, who hid the weapon in an afro wig, then produced it when a guard became suspicious. The inmate loaded the pistol and held guards at bay, and 26 inmates were released and attacked staff.

Sergeant Graham was shot and slashed to death along with Officer Paul Krasenes and Officer Frank DeLeon; two jail trustees were also murdered during the chaos. The inmate who started the uprising was shot and killed by responding officers; he had been awaiting trial for the 1970 murder of Correctional Officer John V. Mills at Soledad. Six prisoners were later charged in the officers deaths; after a 16-month trial one was convicted of murder, three were acquitted, and two were found guilty of assault. Sergeant Graham is survived by a wife, four children, and one grandchild.

If anyone has information about the events that led to the San Quentin Six riot or knew Sergeant Graham, please share what is known.