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Podcasts Take Two
Former South Pasadena students recall 1940 murder spree
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Sep 19, 2014
Listen • 7:33
Former South Pasadena students recall 1940 murder spree
Authorities received a tip of a planned shooting in the recent South Pasadena case. Back in 1940, there was no warning of the crime to come.
According to records from the South Pasadena Police Department, Verlin Spencer entered the South Pasadena Unified School District administration building at 1327 Diamond Ave. around 2:15 p.m. on May 6, 1940.
According to records from the South Pasadena Police Department, Verlin Spencer entered the South Pasadena Unified School District administration building at 1327 Diamond Ave. around 2:15 p.m. on May 6, 1940.
(
Courtesy of the South Pasadena Public Library
)

Authorities received a tip of a planned shooting in the recent South Pasadena case. Back in 1940, there was no warning of the crime to come.

School shootings have grown common in recent years, but that wasn't the case in 1940, when a shocking case of multiple murder unfolded in quiet South Pasadena.

The arrest last month of two South Pasadena High students who authorities say threatened a mass murder at their school has revived memories of the killings 74 years ago.

For the full story with archival photos, click here.