Synopses & Reviews
In this heart-wrenching memoir, former NFL star Kermit Alexander tells the devastating true story of the horrific massacre of his family and his subsequent years of despair, followed by a spiritual renewal that showed him a way to rebuild his family and reclaim his life.
On the morning of August 31, 1984, in the South Central section of Los Angeles, three armed men broke into a house, brutally murdering two women and two young boys.
The victims were Ebora Alexander, Dietra Alexander, Damani Garner, and Damon Bonner—the mother, sister, and nephews of retired All-Pro cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers Kermit Alexander.
In his own words, Kermit Alexander finally shares the full story of what happened to his loved ones and the aftermath of that tragic day. He recounts the hours leading up to the massacre, and how afterward he lost himself in the LA underworld, pleading, bribing, and threatening in a search for answers. He describes his journey through the “wilderness” of despair—the years of isolation living out of his car, broke, depressed, and sick. We also learn about his coming-of-age in 1950s LA, the following decade he spent in the NFL, the events leading up to that fateful August day, and finally the shocking truth behind the murders. Kermit opens up about his darkest hours, but also what it took to turn his life around, rebuild his family, and ultimately find peace.
Ominous and intense, powerful and uplifting, tragic and triumphant, The Valley of the Shadow of Death is more than a rendering of one mans adversity; its testament to the value of family and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming loss.
Review
“Kermit Alexander has turned unspeakable tragedy into the most speakable memoir possible. His message is a must read. To lose a family is to lose yourself. But to re-discover yourself over the course of decades takes guts, love, sacrifice and trust. Kermit, one of the most honorable men I've ever known, has given us the blueprint of how to overcome." Tom Friend, ESPN Senior Writer
Review
“An incredible saga of a former NFL stars journey from unspeakable family tragedy to a family and life renewed. Kermit Alexanders character and values ultimately make this a very inspirational story.” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
Review
“Alexander is a realist, a man with the decency and courage to share wisdom that is sorely needed by a nation.” Pete Wilson, former Governor of California
Review
“We all have moments in our lives where we need to overcome great adversity and reading Kermits story shows the depth and courage he explored and conquered. Dealing with this much adversity and climbing so high is to see the glory and capacity of the kind of man Kermit is. I thank God for putting Kermit in my life and Kermit I thank you for sharing your inspiring journey. This is a must read!” Ronnie Lott, Pro Football Hall of Fame Defensive Back of the San Francisco 49ers
Review
“A shocking tale of a mistaken-identity multiple murder and its aftermath." Kirkus
Review
“This superbly written book took me on a 30 year journey I never expected.”
Review
“Kermit’s personal story is one of strength, endurance and redemption. I believe that telling his story will inspire others toward overcoming their own obstacles along life’s path of truly knowing and loving themselves, and their Creator.”
Review
“A compelling narrative that rivals a first-rate thriller . . . . Relevant, concise histories of L.A. gang warfare and capital punishment add context.” Publishers Weekly
Review
“A deeply moving story of one mans pain and hard-won peace . . . . This is a special book.” Booklist (starred review)
Synopsis
"A must-read for anyone concerned with how drugs and gangs ravaged Los Angeles." --Los Angeles Times
"A deeply moving story of one man's pain and hard-won peace...This is a special book." --Booklist (starred review)
In this heart-wrenching memoir, former NFL star Kermit Alexander tells the devastating true story of the horrific massacre of his family and his subsequent years of despair, followed by a spiritual renewal that showed him a way to rebuild his family and reclaim his life.
On the morning of August 31, 1984, in the South Central section of Los Angeles, three armed men broke into a house, brutally murdering two women and two young boys.
The victims were Ebora Alexander, Dietra Alexander, Damani Garner, and Damon Bonner--the mother, sister, and nephews of retired All-Pro cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers Kermit Alexander.
In his own words, Kermit Alexander finally shares the full story of what happened to his loved ones and the aftermath of that tragic day. He recounts the hours leading up to the massacre, and how afterward he lost himself in the LA underworld, pleading, bribing, and threatening in a search for answers. He describes his journey through the "wilderness" of despair--the years of isolation living out of his car, broke, depressed, and sick. We also learn about his coming-of-age in 1950s LA, the following decade he spent in the NFL, the events leading up to that fateful August day, and finally the shocking truth behind the murders. Kermit opens up about his darkest hours, but also what it took to turn his life around, rebuild his family, and ultimately find peace.
Ominous and intense, powerful and uplifting, tragic and triumphant, The Valley of the Shadow of Death is more than a rendering of one man's adversity; it's testament to the value of family and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming loss.
About the Author
Kermit Alexander is a retired NFL All-Pro cornerback who played for the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also the past president of the NFL Players Association. He lives in California with his family.
Alex Gerould and Jeff Snipes are professors of criminal justice at San Francisco State University. They both have over twenty years of experience in the field, and have worked extensively with law enforcement agencies locally and internationally.