Justine's Voice for Justice
Summary
This episode details the 2003 murder of 17-year-old Justine Vandershoot by her boyfriend Danny Bessemer and his roommate Brandon Fernandez. It covers the investigation, the discovery of Justine’s body, and the subsequent legal battles as Fernandez sought resentencing under new California laws. The story highlights the Vandershoot family’s decades-long fight for justice and their advocacy for teen dating violence prevention through "Justine’s Law."
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Chime and Grooms
Introduction: The disappearance of Justine Dierschke
Justine's life, personality, and family
The toxic relationship with Danny and Brandon's influence
Sponsors: Instacart and Jenny Bird
The search for Justine and initial investigation
FBI interrogation and the discovery of the grave
Sponsors: Shopify
Plea deals and sentencing of Danny and Brandon
California's new murder law and Brandon's petition
Sponsors: Hulu and BetterHelp
The resentencing trial and final verdict
Sponsors: Muesli and Indeed
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