Today, one of Justine Vanderschoot’s murderers, Brandon Fernandez, was denied parole by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Daniel Bezemer and his roommate Brandon Fernandez were convicted of the strangulation and murder of Justine Vanderschoot in 2003.
On July 28, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office represented Justine’s family in a hearing with the parole board regarding the release of Brandon Fernandez. Prosecutors and the family attended the parole hearing.
During the hearing, the board reviewed the totality of the circumstances surrounding the crime, the lasting effect of the crime on the family and the community, as well as a report on the inmate’s behavior during his time in prison, among other factors. Both the Vanderschoot family and Fernandez were given the opportunity to speak.
After a four hour long hearing, the board decided to deny parole for Brandon Fernandez for five years.
“We are glad that the CDCR parole board denied parole for Brandon Fernandez,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. “The murder of Justine was callous, calculated, and cruel. A beautiful young life was senselessly taken, leaving a loving family and an entire community devastated. We will continue to work for justice for Justine as we prepare for the next parole hearing on Aug. 10 for Daniel Bezemer.”
Leading into the week of the parole hearing, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office received overwhelming support for the Vanderschoot family. The Justice for Justine educational campaign has received tens of thousands of views, petition signatures, letters to CDCR and more.
Daniel Bezemer’s parole hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10. You can learn more about Justine’s story here and sign the petition here.
