On a tragic summer day, August 11, 1976, the life of 23-year-old Mark Falen was cut short in a horrifying act of violence in downtown Wichita, Kansas. Falen, a young man working as a bank loan officer, was going about his day, unaware of the deadly events that were about to unfold and claim him as one of its victims.
The perpetrator, 19-year-old Michael Soles of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, had armed himself with two rifles and a lunch pail filled with ammunition.
He made his way to the top floor of the 26-story Holiday Inn, the highest building in the city at the time. From this sniper's perch, he began to indiscriminately fire upon the unsuspecting people on the streets below, creating a scene of terror and chaos that would leave a lasting scar on the community.
During the shooting spree, Mark Falen was struck by a bullet in the neck. He was rushed to St. Francis Hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal. Two other innocent lives were also lost that day: Joe Goulart, a 56-year-old freelance photographer, and Elmer Hensley, a 57-year-old employee of a glass company. Seven other individuals were wounded before police were able to intervene and end the senseless violence.
A team of five police officers bravely ascended to a balcony adjoining the one where Soles was positioned. From there, they were able to wound and apprehend him, bringing his deadly rampage to a halt. Michael Soles was subsequently convicted for his crimes and received three life sentences. He has been denied parole multiple times over the years. The tragic death of Mark Falen, a young man with a promising future, remains a painful memory for his family and the Wichita community.
