On August 6, 1993, Ethel Parrous, a 65-year-old woman of Greek ethnicity, was tragically killed in a mass shooting at Luigi's Italian Restaurant in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The incident occurred when 22-year-old Kenneth Junior French, a soldier stationed at nearby Fort Bragg, entered the restaurant armed with two shotguns and a rifle. French began shouting about President Clinton's policy allowing homosexuals to serve in the military before opening fire indiscriminately on the patrons.
Ethel Parrous, along with her husband Pete Parrous, 73, and two other patrons, Wesley Scot Cover, 26, and James F. Kidd, 46, were killed in the attack. Seven other people were injured, including the gunman, who was eventually shot and wounded by an off-duty police officer, Lt. Bill Simons. French was later convicted of four counts of capital murder and eight counts of assault. He received four consecutive life sentences for the murders and an additional 35 years for the assaults.
The tragic event at Luigi's Restaurant was a result of French's opposition to the policy change regarding homosexuals in the military. His defense attorney argued that French was drunk at the time and had a history of anger issues stemming from his father's actions. Despite these arguments, the jury found French guilty on all charges.
The loss of Ethel Parrous and the other victims deeply affected the Fayetteville community and their families. Ethel and Pete Parrous were well-known and respected members of the community, having operated Luigi's Restaurant for many years. Their legacy continues through their family and the restaurant, which remains a part of the community to this day.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the importance of addressing the underlying issues that lead to such acts of violence.
