On a September day in 2003, the remains of Justine Vanderschoot were discovered over two weeks after she vanished. Her parents, Don and Lynnette Vanderschoot, maintain a heartfelt connection to her through a garden outside her bedroom window, now called Justine’s Garden. The centerpiece, a towering dogwood tree, symbolizes the trips they took to the Sierra mountains and serves as a poignant reminder of her absence.
Lynnette Vanderschoot: “It’s been 21 years since we lost Justine, but the memory is fresh.” Her sister Christine shares the impact, describing those years with one word: “Lonely.” They were best friends and did almost everything together.
Even in her brief life, Justine’s vibrant and charismatic personality left a lasting impression.
Christine Vanderschoot: “She was the life of the party, always making others laugh.”
At 17, Justine had ambitions in fashion and beauty, skillfully designing clothes and shoes herself. Tragically, her dreams were shattered by her murder. Her family now faces the continued pain of her murderers, Danny Bezemer and Brandon Fernandez, seeking parole. The Vanderschoots have had to return to court multiple times over the years.
The two men, once welcome in their home, hung out with Justine. Danny, once a fixture in their family, gained trust, but troubling signs of manipulation and control emerged. Justine confided in friends about her struggles and her wish to move on.
In April 2003, after meeting someone at a spring break trip, Danny’s possessive behavior intensified. The toxicity of the relationship grew as Danny and his friend Brandon, whose influence Justine questioned, reconnected. On the morning of September 2, 2003, Justine’s disappearance left her family frantic, turning to the community for support.
Don Vanderschoot: “We went through Auburn, spreading missing posters, tying pink ribbons.”
Suspicion soon circled Danny, aided by his and Brandon’s questionable past behaviors and juvenile brushes with the law. Danny had reportedly told friends about plans involving violence and murder long before Justine’s death.
When Justine’s truck was found abandoned, detectives intensified their investigations. Over time, Brandon, under FBI scrutiny, confessed, leading authorities to Justine’s grave. In court, both Danny and Brandon admitted involvement in her murder under a plea agreement to avoid a prolonged trial.
Years later, changes in California’s law provided Brandon a chance to appeal his conviction, leading to a series of legal battles. A judge ultimately affirmed his culpability in her murder.
Justine’s family now advocates for victims’ rights and educates others on teen dating violence under “Justine’s Law.” Their enduring dedication seeks to prevent similar tragedies, ensuring Justine’s legacy of caring and strength continues.