Expand / Collapse search
☰

Flashback Friday: A look back at 1996

Published  May 6, 2016 9:37am PDT
News
KTVU FOX 2

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - We're taking a look back at some of the big events that occurred 20 years ago during the week of April 14th through April 20th.

Trial in Polly Klaas case

  • Testimony began for Richard Allen Davis, who was accused of kidnapping and murdering 12-year-old Polly Klaas. Polly was 12 years old when she was kidnapped at knife-point from her mother's home in Petaluma. She was having a slumber party at the time of the kidnapping. Richard Allen Davis later admitted to kidnapping and murdering Klaas. He was sentenced to death on August 5, 1996. As of 2016, he's currently on death row at San Quentin State Prison. 

Menendez Brothers

  • A jury in Los Angeles spared the lives of Erik and Lyle Menendez. The jury recommended a sentence of life in prison. The brothers had admitted to fatally shooting their wealthy parents. The brothers claimed the killings were carried out because they feared their parents would kill them. In the months following the murders, the brothers went on lavish spending sprees before they were arrested. As of 2016, the brothers are staying in separate California prisons. They are expected to spend the rest of their lives behind bars. 

Apple Cuts Jobs

  • Apple, based out of Cupertino, was having a rough year. The company reported a huge second quarter loss during the week of April 17, 1996 and had announced hundreds of additional layoffs. Apple said it lost $740 million in that last quarter. Apple's stock was on a downward trend through 1997. Now, Apple is one of the most successful tech companies in the world. 

Queen Elizabeth Celebrates Birthday

  • Queen Elizabeth the second celebrated her 70th birthday on April 21, 1996. This week, she's celebrating her 90th birthday. 

Warriors Lose to Kings

  • The Warriors didn't make it to the playoffs in their 1995-1996 season. During the week of April 17th they had their "season finale" in which they lost to the Kings. The Kings made their first playoff appearance in a decade. The tables have turned - in the 2015-2016 the Warriors are crushing it in the playoffs!