In the late summer of 1976, tragedy struck the city of Wichita, Kansas, forever altering the lives of many. On August 11th, Elmer Wally Hensley, a 57-year-old male glazier, went about his workday, unaware of the grim fate that awaited him. That day, a sniper positioned himself on the top floor of the 26-story Garvey building, which housed a Holiday Inn.
From this vantage point, the gunman began a terrifying assault on the unsuspecting people below.
Hensley was on the top floor of a parking garage when a bullet struck him in the back. Despite his grievous injury, he managed to drag himself to find cover behind an air-conditioning unit, but his efforts were in vain. He tragically bled to death from his wounds. Hensley was one of three fatalities in the senseless act of violence that also left seven others injured. The other victims who lost their lives that day were a 23-year-old loan officer named Mark Falen and a 56-year-old freelance photographer, Joe Goulart.
The perpetrator of this horrific act was identified as Michael Soles. He had carried two rifles and ammunition to the rooftop, from where he carried out his deadly assault on the downtown area. The shooting spree lasted for a harrowing 11 minutes before law enforcement was able to intervene. Police shot and wounded Soles, bringing an end to the rampage and taking him into custody.
Following his arrest, Soles faced the legal consequences of his actions. During his trial, his defense attempted to use an insanity plea, a claim that was ultimately unsuccessful. He was convicted for the murders and the numerous injuries he inflicted. The motive for his violent outburst remained unclear, leaving a community to grapple with the senselessness of the tragedy. For the families of the victims, including Elmer Hensley's, the pain and loss endured long after that fateful August day.
