Ida Jean Dollard, a 26-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on April 27, 1979, in San Antonio, Texas. Her death occurred during the infamous Battle of Flowers Parade, a festive event that turned into a scene of horror due to a mass shooting. The perpetrator, Ira Attebury, a 64-year-old paranoid World War II veteran, opened fire from his motor home, causing chaos and bloodshed.
Attebury, known for his erratic behavior and addiction to PCP, had a history of mental health issues and had been in and out of mental hospitals. On the day of the parade, he parked his motor home loaded with guns and ammunition at the intersection of Broadway and East Grayson Street, waiting for the crowds to gather.
As the parade commenced, Attebury began his shooting spree, targeting the unsuspecting spectators. Ida Dollard was among the two people who lost their lives in this tragic incident. The shooting also resulted in injuries to over 50 individuals, including a dozen children. The authorities quickly responded to the scene, and Attebury was eventually subdued. The incident left a lasting impact on the community, with many remembering the day as a dark chapter in San Antonio's history.
In the aftermath of the shooting, investigations revealed Attebury's troubled past and his motive for the attack. He had been driven mad by the merriment of the parade and had meticulously planned the atrocity. The legal proceedings that followed focused on understanding Attebury's mental state and the factors that led to the tragic event. The community mourned the loss of Ida Dollard and the other victims, and the incident served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals with untreated mental health issues.
