On January 29, 1979, twenty years before Columbine, sixteen-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer fired thirty-six shots at students at Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego, California, from the window of her home.
Not a happy childhood
Brenda Ann Spencer, as Wikipedia tells us, was not a well-loved and cared for child. She was raised by a father who had a drinking problem. And because he was also a gun enthusiast, the little girl often had to listen to stories filled with violence. The girl was left to herself most of the time.
Already at a young age Brenda was caught shoplifting, later she began drinking herself and skipping school. At 16, she tried to commit suicide, was rescued, and social workers offered to put her in a rehabilitation clinic.
Her father refused. Instead of treatment, he gave her a .22 caliber rifle for her birthday. With a telescopic sight. And 500 rounds of ammo to go with it. It's a great 16th birthday present, isn't it?
