Former Olympian, Friend Dies After Shooting Each Other During Heated Argument

A former Olympian and his friend died Sunday, Nov. 28, after both men opened fire at each other during a heated argument outside a home in Alabama, authorities said.

Former University of Alabama track athlete and two-time member of the American Olympics Relay Team, 62-year-old Emmit King and his friend, Willie Albert Wells were having an argument outside a home on the 800 block of 22nd Street in North Bessemer when the men pulled out their guns and shot each other.

Wells was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency services rushed King to UAB Medical West Hospital, where he died during treatment, according to the police.

It is not clear what the men were arguing about, police said.

King started his athletic career at the Jefferson State Community College and the University of Alabama, where he became the NCAA championship in the 100 meters in 1983. He also won the bronze medal in the 100 meters at the first World Championships that same year.

He was a sprinter and a member of the U.S. relay team for the Summer Olympics in 1984 and 1988, but he did not participate.

In another shooting incident, a Texas man shot and killed his partner’s ex-husband during a heated argument over an ongoing child custody dispute.

The accused, William "Kyle" Carruth fatally shot 54-year-old Chad Read during a confrontation outside a home in the north-western city of Lubbock on Nov. 5.

Chad was at the home to pick up the son he had with his ex-wife Christina Read.

In a video released by the widow’s attorney, Carruth is heard telling Chad to get off his property before going inside the home and returning with a rifle.

Carruth is then seen firing two shots at Chad, killing him.

Carruth’s lawyer, David Guinn, said his client acted in self-defense and the incident was a “justifiable homicide”.

Carruth has been listed as a suspect in police reports, but no charges or arrests had been made.