Kenneth Truitt, a 49-year-old electrical contractor from Daingerfield, Texas, tragically lost his life on June 22, 1980. His death was the result of a heroic act during a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Daingerfield. On that fateful Sunday morning, Alvin King III, a former high school math teacher, entered the church and began firing at the congregation, killing five people and injuring ten others.
Kenneth Truitt, along with other brave church members, attempted to stop the assailant. After being forced out of the church by members of the congregation, King struggled with Red McDaniel, a former semipro baseball star, outside the church. Kenneth Truitt, who had followed the men into the foyer, dived at the assailant as he turned back toward the church door, still armed. Tragically, King shot Kenneth Truitt, who died from his injuries.
The incident led to a series of legal actions and investigations. Alvin King III was set to go on trial the following day for incest charges, and it was believed that he had hoped members of the church would serve as character witnesses. However, the congregation turned him down. After the shooting, King fled the scene but was later found hiding in a nearby fire station. He was arrested and charged with murder. Before his trial could begin, King committed suicide by hanging himself in the Morris County Jail.
The community of Daingerfield was deeply affected by the tragedy, and a monument was erected outside the church to honor the victims, including Kenneth Truitt and Red McDaniel, who gave their lives to save others. The incident remains a somber reminder of the impact of violence and the bravery of ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances.
