The Tragic Story of Marcus Wayne Chenault: The Man Who Killed Martin Luther King Jr.’s Mother
On June 30, 1974, a peaceful Sunday morning turned into a nightmare at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. A 23-year-old man named Marcus Wayne Chenault opened fire during a church service, killing Alberta Williams King, the mother of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and church deacon Edward Boykin.
This shocking act of violence added another layer of tragedy to the King family, who had already endured the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 and his brother, A.D. King, in 1969. This article explores Chenault’s life, the events leading to the shooting, and its lasting impact.
Who Was Marcus Wayne Chenault?
Marcus Wayne Chenault was born on June 30, 1951, in Winchester, Kentucky, to devout Baptist parents, Marcus and Henda Lee Chenault. As a child, he was described as quiet, polite, and studious. His family later moved to Dayton, Ohio, where Chenault grew up in a religious household.
In 1969, Chenault enrolled at Ohio State University as a pre-law student but later switched to education. During his college years, his behavior began to change. He became obsessed with radical religious ideas, particularly those of the Hebrew Pentecostal Church of the Living God, which taught that Black people were descendants of Biblical Israelites. Chenault’s classmates noticed he often acted strangely, quoting the Bible at parties and making disturbing comments.
A Descent Into Mental Illness
By 1973, Chenault’s mental health worsened. He dropped out of college and became fixated on the teachings of Hananiah E. Israel (born Stephen Hallman), a self-proclaimed spiritual leader who claimed Black ministers were “false shepherds” leading people away from their true heritage. Chenault adopted Israel’s hatred of Christianity and began targeting Black religious leaders.
Chenault’s delusions grew more severe. He claimed he wanted to “get attention” by committing violence and even spoke of killing kittens. Neighbors in Columbus, Ohio, recalled him shouting bizarre statements through a loudspeaker from his apartment.
The Attack on Ebenezer Baptist Church
In June 1974, Chenault created a list of 10 targets, including Martin Luther King Sr., Jesse Jackson, and other civil rights leaders. On June 28, he stole two pistols from his father’s home in Dayton. The next day, he boarded a bus to Atlanta.
On June 30, Chenault entered Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Sr. had been pastor for decades. During the service, as Alberta King played the organ, Chenault stood up, yelled, “You must stop this! I’m taking over this morning!” and began shooting. Alberta, 69, and Deacon Edward Boykin, 69, were killed instantly. A third victim survived her injuries.
When arrested, Chenault claimed he wanted to kill Martin Luther King Sr. but targeted Alberta because she sat close to her husband. He later stated, “Christians are my enemy,” and called himself a “Hebrew on a mission.”
The Trial and Aftermath
Chenault was diagnosed with schizophrenia but deemed fit for trial. Initially sentenced to death, his punishment was later reduced to life in prison after the King family—who opposed the death penalty—requested mercy. He died in prison in 1995 at age 44 after suffering a stroke.
The King family faced unimaginable grief. Martin Luther King Sr. continued his civil rights work, declaring at his wife’s funeral, “I’m not gonna quit. We’ve got to carry on.”
The Legacy of the Tragedy
Alberta Williams King’s death highlighted the vulnerability of public figures and the devastating effects of untreated mental illness. The King family’s resilience inspired many, but the incident remains a dark chapter in civil rights history.
Detailed Analysis of the Shooting’s Impact
The assassination of Alberta King deepened the trauma for a family already scarred by loss. Martin Luther King Sr., known as “Daddy King,” became a symbol of perseverance, continuing his work despite his grief. The incident also sparked debates about mental health care and gun control in the U.S.
Chenault’s actions underscored the dangers of extremist ideologies. His belief in Black Israelite teachings—a movement that rejects mainstream Christianity—revealed how vulnerable individuals can be radicalized.
The story of Marcus Wayne Chenault is a tragic reminder of how mental illness, hatred, and access to weapons can lead to irreversible harm. While the King family’s strength offers hope, the shooting at Ebenezer Baptist Church remains a sobering lesson in the need for compassion, justice, and vigilance.
FAQ
Why did Marcus Wayne Chenault target Alberta King?
Chenault wanted to kill Martin Luther King Sr. but shot Alberta because she was seated near him.
What mental illness did Chenault have?
He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and suffered from delusions.
How did the King family respond to the shooting?
They opposed the death penalty and advocated for Chenault’s sentence to be reduced to life in prison.
What happened to Marcus Wayne Chenault in prison?
He died in 1995 after a stroke.
How did Alberta King contribute to the civil rights movement?
She supported her husband and sons’ activism and was a church organist.
Was Marcus Wayne Chenault influenced by others?
Yes, he followed Hananiah Israel, who taught hatred toward Black ministers.
How old was Chenault when he died?
He was 44.
What was Chenault’s motive for the shooting?
He hated Christianity and wanted fame for his radical beliefs.
Where is Ebenezer Baptist Church located?
Atlanta, Georgia.
How many people did Chenault shoot?
Three: Alberta King and Edward Boykin died; one survived.