Skip to footer

Leap Year: this day in the history of Feb. 29

We don’t mean to state the obvious, but Feb. 29 happens once every four years (usually) – and leap year is here again. That means a whole day's worth of news will tomorrow be added to this date's comparatively small archive. 

3. Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000

AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
Steve Hawkins, left, helps Angel Smith, 7, with her new bike at the Buell Elementary School in Mount Morris Township, Mich. Smith was one of the 401 students who received the bikes, thanks to the outpouring of public support in the aftermath of the shooting in February 2000, when a little girl was shot to death.

• This leap day was the last in a year that ends in 00 until Feb. 29, 2400. 

• Six-year-old Dedric Owens fatally shot classmate Kayla Rolland in a stairwell at Buell Elementary School in Mount Morris Township, Mich., after reportedly saying to her, “I don’t like you.” He was taken into police custody soon after. Ms. Rolland is believed to be the youngest school-shooting victim in US history, and Mr. Owens is the youngest shooter. Owens's uncle, the owner of the gun, eventually pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter and spent two years and five months in prison before being released on probation. 

3 of 3
You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.