In the small town of Tallassee, Alabama, the summer of 1981 was shattered by a shocking act of violence that claimed the life of 13-year-old Angela 'Angie' Bonita Truitt. A White female, Angela was known for her love of life, which she expressed through swimming, bike riding, and music. She was born on June 16, 1967, and was a cherished friend to many, known for her outgoing, fun, and mischievous personality.
She also adored her Pekingese dog, Butch.
The fabric of Angela's young life was torn apart on June 7, 1981, a consequence of the turmoil within her family. Her parents, Rita and Ronnie Rex Truitt, had made the difficult decision to divorce. On that fateful day, Rita, accompanied by family members, arrived at the family home at 205 Central Boulevard to gather her personal belongings. The atmosphere was undoubtedly tense as they prepared to leave, a palpable sense of an ending in the air.
As they were about to depart, Ronnie Truitt appeared at the back door, his presence casting a dark shadow over the proceedings. He was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, a tool of sport and hunting now repurposed for a grim and devastating act. In a burst of violence that defied comprehension, he shot his own daughter, Angela, twice in the back. The injuries were catastrophic, and Angela's life was extinguished in a moment of brutal finality.
The murder of Angela Truitt sent shockwaves through the Tallassee community, a stark and brutal illustration of the destructive power of domestic violence. Her father, Ronnie Rex Truitt, was identified as the perpetrator of this horrific crime. Following the tragic event, Angela was laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery in Tallassee, her grave a somber reminder of a life cut tragically short. The case is considered solved, with the identity of the suspect and the circumstances of her death having been established by authorities.
