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Who Is Daniel Bezemer & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Profile

Ryan Gill

Daniel Bezemer is the California man who was convicted of murdering his 17-year-old girlfriend, Justine Vanderschoot, in one of Placer County’s most disturbing homicide cases. His 2005 conviction brought an end to the criminal prosecution, but the case has remained in the public eye through repeated parole hearings and ongoing efforts by Justine’s family to keep him incarcerated.

More than 20 years after the murder, Bezemer remains in prison serving a sentence of 25 years to life. His case continues to be cited in discussions about parole, victims’ rights and teen dating violence.

His Relationship With Justine Vanderschoot

Daniel Bezemer was a teenager when he began dating Justine Vanderschoot, a high school student from Auburn, California. At the beginning of the relationship, he appeared to be an ordinary boyfriend and spent time with Justine and her family, even joining them for dinner at their home.

According to investigators and the Vanderschoot family, the relationship gradually became unhealthy. Bezemer became increasingly jealous and controlling, demanding to know where Justine was and who she was spending time with. Friends later told investigators that he believed she had been unfaithful, a belief prosecutors said helped motivate the murder.

Following Justine’s death, her family has spoken publicly about these warning signs, encouraging teenagers and parents to recognize controlling behaviour before it escalates into violence.

Planning the Murder

Investigators determined that the murder was planned in advance.

Evidence showed that Bezemer and his roommate and friend, Brandon Fernandez, dug a grave in a remote wooded area near Applegate, California, before Justine disappeared. A local horse trainer later reported seeing the freshly dug hole several days before the murder, providing investigators with evidence that the killing had been premeditated.

On the night of September 1, 2003, Justine had dinner with her parents before leaving with Bezemer. Prosecutors said he later strangled her before transporting her to the prepared burial site with Fernandez.

The medical examination revealed one of the most horrifying aspects of the case. Dirt was found in Justine’s lungs and esophagus, indicating she was still breathing when she was buried.

Arrest, Confession and Conviction

As investigators focused on Bezemer and Fernandez, both men were questioned separately by law enforcement. Brandon Fernandez confessed during an FBI interview and led investigators to Justine’s grave.

Bezemer also admitted strangling Justine, although he attempted to shift greater responsibility onto Fernandez. Prosecutors later noted that each defendant implicated the other during questioning.

Rather than proceed to trial, both defendants accepted plea agreements. Prosecutors took into account the wishes of Justine’s family, who wanted to avoid a lengthy and emotionally difficult trial.

In 2005, Bezemer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years to life in California state prison. Fernandez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a sentence of 15 years to life.

Parole Hearings and Continued Opposition

After serving the minimum portion of his sentence, Bezemer became eligible for parole.

Each parole hearing has been strongly opposed by the Vanderschoot family, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office and members of the community. Family members have argued that the severity and premeditated nature of the crime demonstrate that Bezemer continues to pose a danger if released.

In 2022, the California Board of Parole Hearings initially scheduled a parole hearing before the Executive Board later vacated that decision. In March 2023, Bezemer was again denied parole for five years.

The District Attorney’s Office has continued to support the family’s efforts through its “Justice for Justine” initiative, encouraging members of the public to submit letters opposing the release of both convicted killers.

Where Is Daniel Bezemer Now?

As of July 2026, Daniel Bezemer remains incarcerated in the California state prison system serving his sentence of 25 years to life for the first-degree murder of Justine Vanderschoot.

He has not been released from prison, and his parole requests have been denied. California authorities continue to classify him as unsuitable for release, with the Placer County District Attorney’s Office maintaining that he remains a danger to the community.

Bezemer’s case continues to receive attention because of ongoing parole proceedings and the advocacy work of Justine’s family, who remain committed to ensuring that both men convicted in Justine’s murder serve their life sentences. Their campaign has also expanded into broader efforts to educate young people about the warning signs of controlling and abusive dating relationships through California’s teen dating violence prevention initiatives.

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