Change in California law could provide path to freedom for a convicted killer | Forensic Files

this week's 48 Hours reports on a family fight for justice after the murder of a
California teenager 17-year-old Justine vandero disappeared from her Auburn California Home in 2003 her boyfriend
and his roommate later pleaded guilty to her murder but now more than 20 years later a change in state law could open
the door for one of them to walk free 48 Hours contributor Natalie Morales reveals how Justine's family is keeping
her voice alive and fighting to keep both her Killers Behind Bars when Lynette and Don vandero
discovered their 17-year-old daughter Justine missing on September 2nd 2003 they held out hope that she was still
alive we're all going to bring her home we're going to find her we searched and searched everywhere it felt Sinister
retired pler County Sheriff Ed boner says detectives zeroed in on her boyfriend Danny bezer and his roommate
Brandon Fernandez there's a belief that they are concealing something about Justine's disappearance we needed
separate them number one but to have one roll on the other they Enlisted the help
of the FBI to interview Brandon while Sheriff's detectives questioned Danny Under Pressure have you ever seen anyone
die Brandon yes Brandon confessed let's go and led them to Justine's body in a remote area Brandon said Dany had
strangled Justine and made him help bury her her autopsy indicated she was still
breathing when she was buried I lost my best friend I lost everything Justine's Sister Christine says Dany was
controlling and jealous and that Justine was getting ready to leave him she was an object to him and nobody else could
have her if he couldn't plaster County DA Morgan Guyer says ultimately Dany admitted he strangled Justine but
alleged Brandon was The Mastermind Brandon does a pretty good job of incriminating Dany and Dany does a
pretty good job of incriminating Brandon both men pleaded guilty to murder in 2005 and received life sentences with
the possibility of parole but 15 years later citing a new law Brandon Fernandez petitioned to have his murder conviction
thrown out and to be released on time served as an accessory after the fact he still has not taken any responsibility
we're fighting for her that's why we're here she doesn't have a voice so we're her
voice Natalie Morales joins us now good morning Natalie good morning to you Nate
so is there evidence tying Brandon Fernandez to Justine's murder yeah according to the prosecution one of the
key pieces of evidence was the very next day Brandon changed his car's tires as if he was literally trying to cover his
tracks and also the uh tools that were used to dig the grave came from Brandon's parents house but Brandon's
attorney argues that that Brandon was really just so scared of Dany that he participated in the cover up and should
not be held responsible for Justine's murder all right Natalie thank you so much we appreciate you thanks Nate thank
you can watch Natalie's report Justine's voice on 48 hours tomorrow tomorrow night at 109 Central right here on CBS
and of course streaming on Paramount Plus

The family of Justine Vanderschoot, a California teen murdered in 2003, is fighting for justice after learning a change in state law could provide a path to freedom for one of her convicted killers. "48 Hours" contributor Natalie Morales reports.

Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings" co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and stream it at 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.

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Brief Summary

Justine Vandero's family fights to keep her killers in prison amid legal changes that could lead to their release.

Key points

The Fight for Justice. A family battles for justice after the murder of their daughter, Justine Vandero.

Episode highlights

The Fight for JusticeA family battles for justice after the murder of their daughter, Justine Vandero.“We're fighting for her. She doesn't have a voice, so we're her voice.”2:32Feb 14, 2025

Episode quotes

I lost my best friend. I lost everything.

Justine's sister Christine reflects on her loss.

1:38WatchFeb 14, 2025

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