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The Valley of the Shadow of Death: A Tale of Tragedy and Redemption Audiobook
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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.
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“Strength marks the NFL, but it takes a rare kind of power to endure the slaughter of one’s family, battle through relentless grief, and then stare deeply enough into the mayhem to write a book [as] tough and moving as this. Mr. Alexander scores where it counts.”
— Mara Leveritt, author of Devil’s Knot
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“A deeply moving story of one man’s pain and hard-won peace…This is a special book.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“A compelling narrative that rivals a first-rate thriller…Relevant, concise histories of LA gang warfare and capital punishment add context.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“An incredible saga of a former NFL star’s journey from unspeakable family tragedy to a family and life renewed. Kermit Alexander’s character and values ultimately make this a very inspirational story.”
— Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner
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About the Authors
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 is a professor of criminal justice at San Francisco State University. He has over twenty years of experience in the field, and has worked extensively with law enforcement agencies locally and internationally.
Jeff Snipes is a professor of criminal justice at San Francisco State University. He has over twenty years of experience in the field, and has worked extensively with law enforcement agencies locally and internationally.