Stephen L. Becker, a 32-year-old library assistant, tragically lost his life on July 12, 1976, during a mass shooting at California State University, Fullerton. The incident, which became known as the Cal State Fullerton library shootings, was perpetrated by Edward Charles Allaway, a custodian at the university. Allaway, who had a history of mental health issues, carried out the attack with a .22-caliber semi-automatic rifle, which he had purchased just days before the shooting.
On the morning of the attack, Allaway entered the university's library and began shooting, ultimately killing seven people and wounding two others. Becker was among those who were fatally shot, and it is believed that he attempted to wrestle the rifle away from Allaway during the attack, potentially saving additional lives.
The aftermath of the shooting saw Allaway being apprehended after he fled to a nearby hotel and called the police to surrender. He was subsequently diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Allaway was committed to a state mental hospital, where he remained for many years. The case drew significant attention to issues of mental health and workplace violence, and it highlighted the need for better support and intervention for individuals struggling with severe mental health conditions.
In the years following the shooting, there were various legal proceedings related to Allaway's confinement and his attempts to secure release from the mental hospital. These proceedings often involved evaluations of his mental state and assessments of whether he continued to pose a danger to society. The tragedy of the Cal State Fullerton library shootings left a lasting impact on the university community and the families of the victims, including Stephen L. Becker's family, who mourned the loss of a beloved son and brother. The incident remains a somber reminder of the devastating effects of untreated mental illness and the importance of addressing such issues proactively.
