The number of serious crimes committed by young people who have not reached the age of majority tends to grow. This is facilitated by a number of reasons that criminologists and sociologists talk about. Brenda Spencer committed the murder of two people with no apparent motive.
Joyless childhood
Brenda Ann Spencer was born on April 3, 1962. The family at that time lived in the famous city of San Diego. Parents treated the upbringing of the child, as they say, carelessly. My father liked to drink a glass or two of strong drink for no reason. Simply because the body demanded an intoxicating drink. Mother regularly left on some business, and the girl was left unattended. Left to herself, Brenda hung out for a long time on the street and spent time in questionable companies.
Young Spencer did not strive to get a good education and often missed lessons. Instead, she became addicted to alcohol early, and then to drugs. I learned how the marginals live. At the same time, the girl dreamed of becoming famous. She was fascinated by television programs about serial killers and violence. Brenda could sit for hours in front of the TV, absorbing all the nuances and details of what was happening. She also loved guns.
Emergency
In the biography of the juvenile killer, the fact of a suicide attempt is attested. This happened in the winter of 1978. The brand was saved. The parents did not pay due attention to this incident - the husband and wife were busy with their personal lives, they did not need a child for a long time. True, the father, demonstrating his love, gave his daughter a self-loading rifle and half a thousand rounds of ammunition for Christmas. It is difficult for a normal person to understand what the adult man was guided by when choosing such a "gift".
If a weapon fell into the hands of an unbalanced teenager, then it is not difficult to guess the consequences. On Monday, January 29, 1979, Brenda stayed at home. The windows of her apartment overlooked the school gates. The girl took out a rifle from the case, loaded it and, waiting for more people to gather at the gate, began to shoot at the crowd. Already in the course of the investigation, it will be calculated that Spencer fired thirty-six shots. Two teachers were killed, eight students and a policeman were injured.
The consequences of the tragedy
This tragic incident was vigorously discussed not only in America, but also in all civilized countries. The journalists diligently did their usual work, savoring the details and details of the shooting. Brenda Spencer really became the main character of newscasts for several days. Cunning showmen in a creative frenzy began to compose musical compositions. Businessmen do not make a difference on what to earn hard currency, on a joyful event or on a tragic one.
The court sentenced Brenda Spencer to life in prison. She was given the opportunity to apply for early release after twenty-five years. She petitioned for clemency twice. Each time, the answer was negative. The next maturity date will come in 2019.
