Kenneth French

Mass Murderer

Kenneth French and the 1993 Luigi's Restaurant Massacre

Background

Kenneth Junior French was a 22-year-old United States Army sergeant stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, when he carried out a deadly mass shooting at a popular Fayetteville restaurant. French worked as a military mechanic and had reportedly developed intense anger toward social and political changes occurring within the armed forces and the country. French expressed hostility toward President Bill Clinton's effort to permit gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military. He also made racist and sexist statements concerning the acceptance of Black people and women in American institutions. His comments before, during and after the shooting indicated that prejudice and political resentment were significant elements of his motivation. Investigators also learned that French had longstanding personal and emotional problems. His defense later argued that he had endured a troubled upbringing, accumulated years of anger and consumed a large amount of alcohol before the attack. These circumstances were presented during his trial but did not excuse or legally justify his actions.

The Attack at Luigi's Restaurant

On the evening of Friday, August 6, 1993, French drove to Luigi's Italian Restaurant in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The restaurant was a well-known family business operated by Greek immigrants Peter and Ethel Parrous. It was crowded with customers and employees enjoying a typical Friday night when French arrived shortly before 10:00 p.m. French came heavily armed. He had two 12-gauge shotguns, including a pump-action shotgun, and a .22-caliber rifle. Wearing shorts and a fishing-style vest, he left his black truck carrying one of the shotguns and approached the rear of the restaurant. French entered through the kitchen rather than the main customer entrance. Witnesses heard him shouting angry statements about President Clinton, homosexuality and social changes within the military. He then began firing as he moved from the kitchen into the dining area. The sudden gunfire caused panic throughout the restaurant. Customers attempted to hide beneath tables, flee through available exits or shield relatives from the attack. French fired repeatedly and without regard for whom he struck. Restaurant owners Peter and Ethel Parrous were among those fatally wounded. Two customers, Wesley Scot Cover and James F. Kidd, were also killed. Several other people were struck and injured during the shooting. One of the wounded was a daughter of Peter and Ethel Parrous, who survived her injuries. Contemporary reports varied slightly regarding the number of wounded, but seven people other than French were generally reported injured.

Police Intervention

Fayetteville police officers rapidly responded to emergency calls reporting an armed attacker inside the restaurant. Lieutenant Bill Simons encountered French while the shooting was still underway. Simons fired at French and wounded him, bringing the attack to an end before additional customers and employees could be killed. French survived the police gunfire and was taken into custody. Investigators recovered his firearms and began interviewing survivors who had witnessed the attack. The restaurant was left with extensive physical damage, while the Parrous family and the Fayetteville community struggled with the deaths of four people in a place that had long been associated with family gatherings and hospitality. ...

Confirmed Victims: (4)

Wesley Scott Cover 26 yr old Male

Kenneth Junior French