A California appellate court reversed a judge's 2024 denial of Brandon Fernandez's petition to overturn his second-degree murder conviction in the 2003 killing of Justine Vanderschoot. The Dec. 31, 2025, decision sends the case back for a new hearing. Fernandez's original plea deal resulted in a 15-years-to-life sentence.
The reversal stems from shifts in California's murder law that reduced culpability for defendants who did not directly kill or intend death. Fernandez has argued he was only an accessory after the fact and was coerced into helping cover up the crime.
Justine Vanderschoot, 17, was strangled by her boyfriend Danny Bezemer with Fernandez's alleged assistance in Placer County. Both men pleaded guilty in 2005 after confessing to investigators. Bezemer received 25 years to life.
The Vanderschoot family has opposed Fernandez's efforts to be resentenced, stating he remains dangerous and has not accepted responsibility. A new evidentiary hearing is pending to determine whether his conviction stands.
Fernandez's attorney maintains his client participated only in the cover-up and should not be held liable for the murder itself.
