John E. Alman, the principal of South Pasadena High School, met a tragic end on May 6, 1940, when he was murdered in a shocking incident that shook the community. Alman, who had served as principal since 1921, was one of the victims in a deadly shooting spree carried out by Verlin Spencer, the principal of South Pasadena Junior High School. Spencer, who had been showing signs of paranoia and instability, requested a meeting with several school administrators, including Superintendent George C.
Bush, high school principal John Alman, and school district business manager Will Speer. During the meeting, Spencer suddenly became agitated and opened fire, killing Alman and others present.
The incident did not end there. After the initial shooting, Spencer left the administration building and drove to the junior high school where he continued his rampage. He shot and killed additional victims, including teachers and staff members. The community was left in shock as news of the massacre spread. Spencer's actions were driven by a combination of personal grievances and mental health issues, which had been deteriorating over time. His expertise in marksmanship, developed through frequent trips to the shooting range, made his attack even more deadly.
In the aftermath of the shootings, Verlin Spencer was apprehended and faced legal consequences for his actions. He pleaded guilty to multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, resulting in five consecutive life sentences plus an additional 20 years for the injuries inflicted on one of the survivors. The case highlighted the need for better mental health support and intervention in the education system, as well as the devastating impact of unchecked mental health issues.
The tragic death of John E. Alman and the others who lost their lives that day remains a somber chapter in the history of South Pasadena. The community continues to remember the victims and the importance of addressing mental health concerns to prevent such tragedies in the future.
