“Justine’s Voice”: 48 Hours Reports on Justine Vanderschoot Homicide February 15 2025

This Saturday, February 15, 2025, 48 Hours presents “Justine’s Voice,” a powerful investigation into the 2003 murder of 17-year-old Justine Vanderschoot. The episode examines the devastating impact of her death and the relentless fight by her family to keep her killers behind bars. Correspondent Natalie Morales delves into the legal battle that could potentially grant one of Justine’s killers a path to release.

The case shocked Placer County, California, with its brutality. Justine was murdered by her boyfriend, Daniel Bezemer, and his roommate, Brandon Fernandez. According to the autopsy, she was buried alive. Both men were convicted in 2005, but a change in California law now allows Fernandez to petition for resentencing, raising fears that he could be released.

The Murder of Justine Vanderschoot

On Labor Day in 2003, Justine Vanderschoot disappeared after having dinner with her parents. She was last seen with her boyfriend, Daniel Bezemer, and his friend, Brandon Fernandez.

Justine’s relationship with Bezemer had started like many teenage romances, but over time, he became controlling and possessive. He wanted to know where she was, who she was with, and what she was doing at all times. His jealousy escalated into a dangerous obsession, leading him to conspire with Fernandez to murder Justine.

That night, after leaving her family home, Bezemer and Fernandez took Justine to a remote wooded area. Bezemer strangled her before they buried her in a shallow grave. According to forensic reports, dirt was found in her lungs and esophagus, meaning she was still alive when she was buried.

The Investigation and Arrests

For weeks, Justine’s family and law enforcement searched for her. Flyers were posted, search parties were organized, and pleas for information were made. Eventually, investigators began to focus on Bezemer and Fernandez. Their inconsistent statements and suspicious behavior led authorities to a chilling discovery—Justine’s body, buried in a wooded area near Applegate, California.

Once confronted with the evidence, both Bezemer and Fernandez admitted to their roles in the crime. Investigators learned that they had dug the grave days before the murder, showing the level of premeditation involved. The motive appeared to stem from Bezemer’s fear that Justine would break up with him.

The Trial and Sentencing

In 2005, Bezemer and Fernandez pleaded guilty to Justine’s murder. Bezemer was sentenced to 25 years to life for first-degree murder, while Fernandez received 15 years to life for second-degree murder.

The sentencing brought some relief to Justine’s family, but their fight for justice was far from over. With the possibility of parole looming, they knew they would have to keep fighting to ensure the killers remained behind bars.

The Parole Hearings and Legal Loopholes

In 2017, Fernandez became eligible for parole. His parole was denied, but the hearing forced Justine’s family to relive their nightmare. Parole hearings require victims’ families to testify about their loss, reopening deep emotional wounds.

In 2018, California passed Senate Bill 1437, a law allowing those convicted of murder to petition for resentencing if they did not personally kill the victim. Fernandez filed for resentencing, arguing that he was merely an accomplice. The Vanderschoot family opposed the motion, emphasizing his role in planning and executing the crime. His petition was ultimately denied.

Despite this, Fernandez continues to seek legal avenues for release. The family remains vigilant, attending every hearing and gathering community support to ensure he stays behind bars.

The Fight for Justine’s Legacy

The Vanderschoot family has transformed their pain into advocacy. They have worked with prosecutors to push for legislative changes to protect victims’ families and prevent dangerous offenders from being released prematurely. Their efforts led to new state legislation incorporating teen dating violence education into schools.

Community support for Justine’s family remains strong. Vigils, petitions, and public awareness campaigns continue to highlight the injustice of allowing her killers any chance at freedom.

The Ongoing Battle for Justice

Brandon Fernandez’s parole was denied in his most recent hearing, but the fight is not over. Bezemer is scheduled for a parole hearing later this year. Justine’s family and supporters are preparing once again to stand before the parole board and argue that the men responsible for her murder must remain in prison.

The case of Justine Vanderschoot is a tragic reminder of the dangers of abusive relationships and the lasting impact of violent crime. As 48 Hours airs “Justine’s Voice,” the Vanderschoot family continues their mission to ensure that Justine’s killers are never given the opportunity to harm anyone else.