Seth Arthur Fessenden, a Professor Emeritus at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), tragically lost his life on July 12, 1976, during a mass shooting at the university. This horrific event, known as the 1976 California State University, Fullerton massacre, was perpetrated by Edward Charles Allaway, a custodian at the university. Allaway, armed with a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, embarked on a shooting spree that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including Fessenden,
and left two others injured. The massacre took place in the library's first-floor lobby and the Instructional Media Center (IMC) located in the basement. Witnesses described the gunfire as resembling the sound of a machine gun or a series of popping noises. Allaway's attack began shortly before 7 am, and he was seen chasing down and shooting several victims, including Fessenden, before eventually running out of bullets.
Edward Charles Allaway had a documented history of violence and mental illness, which played a significant role in the events leading up to the massacre. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Allaway had previously exhibited signs of instability. Following the shooting, he fled the campus and went to a nearby hotel in Anaheim, where he called the police to report his actions and surrender. He was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder. During his trial, Allaway was found to be insane and was committed to Patton State Hospital for medical treatment. Over the years, he underwent several sanity hearings, and in 2016, he was transferred to Napa State Hospital.
The massacre at CSUF was a devastating event that left a lasting impact on the community. It was the deadliest act of mass murder in Orange County until the 2011 Seal Beach shooting. The victims of the massacre, including Seth Fessenden, were remembered for their contributions to the university and the community. The incident also highlighted the need for better mental health support and security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The legal proceedings surrounding Allaway's case underscored the complexities of dealing with individuals with severe mental illnesses who commit violent acts.
