The Brenda Spencer School Shooting: A Tragic Day and Its Aftermath

On January 29, 1979, 16-year-old Brenda Spencer opened fire on Grover Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego from her residence, which was located directly across from the school.

Incident Unfolds

The incident occurred as students gathered outside the school. Spencer used a semi-automatic rifle, firing 36 shots. The attack resulted in the deaths of the school principal and a custodian, who were attempting to protect students. Eight children and one police officer sustained injuries but survived.

Motive and Standoff

Spencer subsequently barricaded herself in her home. During a phone call with a local reporter, she stated:

"I don't like Mondays" and "This livens up the day"

when asked about her motive. After a six-hour standoff, Spencer surrendered to police.

Legal Consequences and Parole

Despite being a minor at the time of the crime, Spencer was tried as an adult on murder charges. The day after her 18th birthday, she was sentenced to life in prison. One of her cellmates later married and divorced Spencer's father.

Spencer was denied parole for the seventh time last year and will be eligible again in 2028. District attorney Summer Stephan stated that the circumstances of the crime do not warrant release, a position supported by the parole board.

Cultural Echoes

Six months after the shooting, the Irish band The Boomtown Rats released the song 'I Don't Like Mondays,' directly inspired by Spencer's statement. The song became a major hit in Ireland and the UK, though San Diego radio stations refrained from playing it. Lead singer Bob Geldof later reported that Spencer communicated her pleasure in being made famous by the song.