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🇺🇸 United States /Crime & Justice

Inside a family's fight to keep teen daughter's killers in prison

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources In the courts
  • Justine Vanderschoot's parents maintain a garden in her memory, 21 years after her remains were discovered following her disappearance in 2003.
  • Her family actively fights to keep her convicted killers, Danny Bezemer and Brandon Fernandez, imprisoned, having attended multiple parole hearings.
  • Justine, a vibrant 17-year-old aspiring fashion designer, was murdered shortly before her high school graduation.

In a garden outside her bedroom window, Don and Lynnette Vanderschoot find solace and remembrance for their daughter Justine, 21 years after her remains were discovered. The space, filled with mementos and condolence flowers, serves as a living tribute to their youngest child, who disappeared in September 2003. "It's still very fresh in our mind," Lynnette Vanderschoot shared, noting that her older daughter Christine feels Justine has been gone as long as she was alive.

It's … 21 years since we've lost Justine … but it's still very fresh in our mind.

— Lynnette VanderschootJustine Vanderschoot's mother reflects on the enduring pain of her daughter's death.

Justine, described as vibrant, charismatic, and the "life of the party," was a 17-year-old cheerleader and athlete on the verge of graduating high school. She harbored dreams of a career in fashion and beauty, known for designing her own clothes and wanting to help others "stand out and feel beautiful." Her family recalls her as a "spark" and a "little firecracker" who was always on the go.

Lonely.

— Christine VanderschootJustine's older sister describes the years since her sibling's death.

Instead of pursuing her aspirations, Justine became the victim of a brutal murder. Her parents are now locked in a prolonged fight to ensure her convicted killers, Danny Bezemer and Brandon Fernandez, remain behind bars. Retired Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner noted that the Vanderschoots have attended at least seven parole hearings over the past seven years, constantly facing the possibility of the men's release.

Vibrant, charismatic, just life of the party … She … made you laugh every time she'd say something.

— Christine VanderschootJustine's older sister describes her personality.

Both Bezemer and Fernandez were once familiar faces in the Vanderschoot home. Brandon was a friend of Justine's older sister Christine from around seventh or eighth grade. Danny was later introduced to the family by Brandon, reportedly at a birthday party for Christine.

She was a spark in our household that's for sure.

— Don VanderschootJustine's father describes her impact on the family.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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