Arvin is essentially connected to everyone. He grows up in Knockemstiff, OH, with his parents Willard and Charlotte, meeting Sheriff Lee Bodecker after his father commits suicide. He then moves to Coal Creek, WV, to be raised along with Lenora Laferty by his grandmother and great-uncle. Although Lenora and Arvin aren't related, they view each other as siblings and he does anything he can to protect her. Reverend Preston Teagardin comes to town after the town preacher takes ill and preys upon Lenora, causing Arvin to take matters into his own hands.
Once he kills Preston, Arvin goes on the run and decides to hitchhike back to Knockemstiff to set right his father's legacy. The Hendersons pick him up, despite it going against their number one rule not to pick someone up from home. Arvin senses something is wrong and shoots Carl Henderson before the other can make a move. Sandy Henderson pulls out her own gun and gets a shot out, however, Carl had emptied her gun before their trip and filled it with blanks, so Arvin ends up killing her as well.
Lee gets a tip about Arvin being the killer and goes to kill him. The pair meet in front of Willard's cross, bringing their story full circle before they shoot at each other. Arvin is unscathed while Lee dies from his injuries.