IF: detach
The challenge word on illustrationfriday.com this week is “detach”.
All Brenda Ann Spencer wanted for Christmas 1978 was a radio.
That’s all.
Just a radio.
Her father bought her a rifle instead.
On Monday, January 29, 1979, 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer opened fire on children arriving at Grover Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego, across the street from her house. She killed two school employees and wounded eight students and a police officer. Principal Burton Wragg was attempting to rescue children in the line of fire when he was shot and killed, and custodian Mike Suchar was slain attempting to aid Wragg.
During the six-hour standoff with police, she made such comments to police negotiators as “There was no reason for it, and it was just a lot of fun”; “It was just like shooting ducks in a pond”; and “The children looked like a herd of cows standing around, it was really easy pickings.” Brenda showed no remorse, no emotion and was totally detached from the incident.
When asked what drove her to this form of murderous madness, she told a reporter, “I don’t like Mondays. This livens up the day.” Brenda pled guilty to two counts of murder and assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. She has been up for parole four times and has been turned down each time.
Just goes to show, what’s happening in society today, was happening 30 years ago. The only difference is today, you’d see it on Youtube.
Comment by Will — August 19, 2008 @ 1:54 am
Yeah then Bob Geldof wrote a song about it and it was performed by The Boomtown Rats. I live in San Diego now…I’ll have to find out where that school is.
Comment by doni — August 19, 2008 @ 3:39 am
This is the most powerful IF I have seen.
Comment by jenn — August 19, 2008 @ 7:19 am
Great illo. I always loved that song without really knowing the story. when I found out the story, it made the song even better. Really creepy story and your illo totally fits…
Comment by dot — August 19, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
If she committed the crime today, she’d probably use one of these:
http://www.geekologie.com/2008/02/the_hello_kitty_ar15_is_just_s.php
Comment by Jasper — August 19, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
fantastic! now i know what to get my kids when they turn 16. jeez
Comment by orangefrute88 — August 20, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
loving the type element btw
Comment by orangefrute88 — August 20, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
I think you can see the outrage in your lines.
Comment by Connie Martin — August 21, 2008 @ 8:57 am
What a great Illo!! Could have used Mr Potato Head for this illo subject too! Love the illo!! Your illos are always great! The stories that go along with your illos are well researched & really add to the illo! I especially like the alt text for your illos. You are very funny & should keep doing more illos!
Comment by Anonymous — August 27, 2008 @ 9:09 am