William Bevins

Mass Murderer

William "Okie" Bevins and the Allen, Kentucky Mass Murder (1981)

William "Okie" Bevins was a 70-year-old retired coal miner from Printer, Kentucky, who carried out one of the deadliest mass shootings in Kentucky history. On October 16, 1981, Bevins entered the Mountain Auto-Truck Parts Store in Allen, Floyd County, Kentucky, armed with an automatic rifle. Without warning, he opened fire on the men inside the business. Eight people were shot during the attack. Five died from their injuries, while three others survived with serious gunshot wounds.

Background

Investigators determined that the shooting was motivated by a long-running personal dispute involving Roger Click and Click's wife, Katie Sue Click. Court testimony stated that Bevins had maintained a years-long sexual relationship with Katie Sue Click, and evidence presented during the case suggested the relationship had deteriorated, leading to anger and resentment. Prosecutors concluded that Roger Click was the primary intended target, while the remaining victims were shot because they were present and could identify the gunman. After the shooting, Bevins drove back to his home in Printer, Kentucky, disposed of the rifle by throwing it into a well, and was arrested without resistance while sitting on his front porch. He initially claimed to have no memory of the shootings.

The Shooting

The attack occurred during normal business hours on October 16, 1981, at the Mountain Auto-Truck Parts Store in Allen, Kentucky. Bevins entered the store carrying an automatic rifle and immediately began firing at the men inside. The shooting happened within moments, leaving multiple victims dead or critically wounded. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but five victims were pronounced dead. Three wounded men survived after receiving medical treatment.

Victims

• Roger Dale Click, age 28 - Killed on October 16, 1981, at Mountain Auto-Truck Parts Store, Allen, Kentucky.
• Roger Hatfield, age 34 - Killed on October 16, 1981, at Mountain Auto-Truck Parts Store, Allen, Kentucky.
• Michael Joe Halbert, age 28 - Killed on October 16, 1981, at Mountain Auto-Truck Parts Store, Allen, Kentucky.
• Jarvey Hamilton, age 28 - Killed on October 16, 1981, at Mountain Auto-Truck Parts Store, Allen, Kentucky.
• Rufus Hamilton, age 42 - Killed on October 16, 1981, at Mountain Auto-Truck Parts Store, Allen, Kentucky.
• Three additional men were seriously wounded during the attack and survived. Their names are less consistently reported in historical public sources.

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Confirmed Victims: (5)

Roger Click 28 yr old Male

Bevins v. Com. :: 1986 :: Kentucky Supreme Court Decisions