Going West: True Crime

Episode 538 – Justine Vanderschoot

Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman
Release Date: September 16, 2025

Overview

In this gripping episode, Daphne and Heath explore the devastating case of Justine Vanderschoot, a bright and joyful 17-year-old from Auburn, California, who disappeared over Labor Day weekend in 2003. The episode provides a thorough chronology of the events leading up to her disappearance, the frantic search, and the shocking revelation that she was murdered by those closest to her. This case stands out for its combination of small-town trust, chilling premeditation, and the ultimate betrayal, as Justine was buried alive by her boyfriend and his best friend.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Disappearance

• Justine’s Background ([04:07]–[07:32]):
  • Born in 1986 in Napa, CA; close-knit family in Auburn, Placer County. Vibrant, active life as a cheerleader, athlete, and creative teen.
  • “Her sister described her as the life of the party... always up for an adventure.” — Daphne [04:29]
• Labor Day Weekend ([11:37]–[13:51]):
  • The family spent the weekend at their summer house. After returning, Justine enjoyed a barbecue with family and boyfriend, Danny Besmer.
  • The next morning, her mother found Justine missing. Her truck was gone, but personal belongings like her purse, license, and credit card remained.
  • The front door was open and the family dog was laying on the bed instead.

2. Search & Initial Investigation

• Community Response ([14:35]–[17:44]):
  • Widespread searches by police, friends, family, and community.
  • Missing persons posters and a $20,000 reward were quickly disseminated, with posters bearing Justine’s favorite pink ribbons.
• Discovery of the Truck:
  • Justine’s silver pickup was found at a “park and ride” five miles from home, near Interstate 80, leading to speculation about abduction vs. runaway scenarios.

3. Key Suspects Emerge

• Questions about Danny ([17:44]–[21:13]):
  • Danny (boyfriend) displays concern in public but quickly tries to divert suspicion, hinting at a male friend in Florida and reporting suspicious activity on his credit.
  • Police find Danny’s account doesn’t add up and soon focus on both him and his roommate/best friend, Brandon Fernandez.
• Alarming Red Flags:
  • Reports from Justine’s friends highlight Danny’s controlling, jealous behavior—he allegedly monitored her communications and was intensely possessive.
  • Chilling premonition:

    "I don't know if I ever break up with him, if he'll ever really let me go." — Justine to a friend ([20:59])

4. Brandon Fernandez & Internet Clues ([21:13]–[23:32])

• Discovery that Brandon ran disturbing, morbid websites ranking violent deaths and animal cruelty, suggesting a dark fascination.
• The duo’s alibi—that they were together alone in their apartment—raises police suspicions, lacking any outside corroboration.

5. Break in the Case: Contradictions & Confessions ([29:19]–[34:27])

• Crucial Witness: Brandon’s cousin Clayton reveals that the suspects were not home alibiing each other, as claimed, but absent for much of the night.
• Undercover Sting ([31:30]):
  • Clayton, wired by police, records Brandon pleading with him to lie about their whereabouts.
• Brandon’s Confession ([33:03]–[34:27]):

  • Admits Justine was murdered, claiming Danny orchestrated it and pressured Brandon into silence, but distances himself from direct involvement.

    “He admitted that Justine had been murdered and he actually begged the detectives to keep him safe from Danny.” — Daphne [33:09]

6. The Chilling Murder ([34:27]–[40:42])

• Timeline of Events:
  • Brandon claims the trio drove to a secluded area under the pretense of stealing weed plants.
  • A bizarre mixed CD with spliced recordings of Justine’s phone calls was played during the drive, possibly to emotionally torment her.
  • Danny allegedly strangled and tased Justine; her last words were, heartbreakingly:

    “Danny, I love you.” — Justine (as told by Danny, [40:04])

• Burial & Aftermath:
  • The perpetrators poured chemicals (said to quicken decomposition) over Justine and into her throat, then buried her in a shallow grave—evidence later suggested she was still alive when buried.

7. Discovery & Evidence of Premeditation ([41:35]–[43:44])

• A horseback rider noticed a freshly dug, grave-sized hole days prior to her killing, indicating the murder was pre-planned.
• Police investigation concluded Brandon had purchased cleaning supplies and had tools provided to dig the grave—damning evidence of conspiring and plotting.

8. Motive & Relationship Dynamics ([43:44]–[50:30])

• Danny’s Obsession: Jealousy and possessiveness fueled by a perceived betrayal (a male friend Justine met during spring break in Florida).
• Brandon’s Role: Hatred toward Justine after being distanced from his best friend, supportive of Danny’s bitterness, with a documented capacity for violence and cruelty.
• Victims of Abuse: Both Justine and Brandon’s girlfriend, Lindsay, confided about their emotionally abusive, toxic relationships—both discussed wanting to break up just days before the murder.

9. The Autopsy & Final Horrors ([50:30]–[53:22])

• Postmortem Results: Indicate Justine was buried alive; her lungs and throat were packed with dirt, and corrosive chemicals were present in her body.

  “Justine was not dead when she went into the ground... her esophagus and lungs were caked with dirt.” — Daphne [51:32]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Red flags are obviously flying for police. They think Danny is extremely suspicious.” — Daphne [21:13]
• “I don’t have to deal with her anymore. My life is now free. I win. I win.” — Recounted by Brandon, quoting Danny during the murder ([35:47])
• On the pre-dug grave:

  “When that guy was out there on that trail riding his horse and saw that hole in the ground, that was what they needed. That premeditation...” — Heath [54:42]

• “It's like that 38 Special song, you know, 'Hold On Loosely, But Don't Let Go.' ... This guy is gripping her so tight that she wants to go.” — Heath [45:39]
• When discussing the call for parole opposition:

  “A petition opposing the release of Brandon Fernandez received over 22,000 signatures in the name of justice for Justine.” — Heath [53:22]

Timeline of Important Segments

• Justine’s early life and disappearance: [04:07]–[13:51]
• Truck found/early investigation: [14:35]–[17:44]
• Danny as a suspect, control issues revealed: [17:44]–[21:13]
• Brandon’s disturbing online activity: [21:13]–[23:32]
• Crucial clue from phone records: [23:32]–[24:40]
• Cousin’s testimony, breaking alibi: [29:19]–[31:30]
• Brandon’s confession & details of the murder: [33:03]–[40:42]
• Evidence of premeditation via dug grave: [41:35]–[43:44]
• Toxic relationship dynamics & motive: [43:44]–[50:30]
• Autopsy findings—buried alive: [50:30]–[53:22]
• Legal outcomes, parole hearings: [53:22]–[55:55]

Legal Outcome & Ongoing Impacts

• Sentences:
  • Danny Besmer: 25 years to life for first-degree murder (pled guilty, 2005)
  • Brandon Fernandez: 15 years to life for second-degree murder (pled guilty, 2005)
• Parole Challenges:
  • 2017: Brandon’s parole denied after extensive public opposition ([53:23])
  • 2018–2024: Brandon attempts resentencing under new state law; evidence from Danny and recovered tools used to prove premeditation.
  • As of 2025, both men remain in prison.

Final Reflections

Daphne and Heath close by expressing their horror at the case’s brutality and the betrayal of trust by those who were closest to Justine. They remind listeners about the warning signs of controlling relationships and the importance of supporting those trying to leave.

“What a tragic story over jealousy.” — Heath [56:37]
“If you have a case you want us to cover, please email us … and head on over to our socials to see pictures of Justine.” — Daphne [56:59]

Summary

This episode masterfully unpacks a haunting true crime where a teenager’s trust in her boyfriend and his best friend is weaponized against her, resulting in an unthinkable betrayal and a torturous death. Through personal accounts, legal detail, and careful focus on the investigation, the hosts shine a light on toxic relationships, the danger of dismissing red flags, and the devastating ripples left behind for loved ones and communities alike.