Arthur Costas on why Jeannette/Bernadette shouldn't be released

Arthur and Berit Costas

''From a victim's standpoint, the punishment doesn't even begin to equate to the magnitude of the crime,'' said Costas. He said he resented a justice system that placed Protti in a facility where she could have a boyfriend and complete her high school education -- opportunities that were denied his daughter. 

''You can't replace your child so you think about that all the time,'' said Costas, who said that he worries that Protti remains dangerous to the public. ''The emotions and the public safety -- we lose on both counts.''-Arthur Costas

Here is a current photo of Berit, she is the petite brunette third from R-L in white and tan. 

Here's what the dissenting Parole Board Officer Victor Wisehart said: 

"Bernadette remains a danger to the public and is in need of further treatment to address her inability to control her anger and impulses.'' 

Wisehart referred to a recent incident during which Protti demonstrated ''anger and a lack of impulse control'' in a confrontation with her boyfriend at the Youth Authority school. 

''I hate to think how she would have handled the incident had she been on parole and able to arm herself and stalk again another victim,'' Wisehart said. 

''She has a hidden trigger that anyone can pull just by not giving (her) what she thinks she should get in a relationship.''

Here is dissenting Parole Board member Victor Wisehart. Who should be hailed as a hero for being the only one who stood up and spoke the truth. He knew Bernadette was a liar who needed more time. He passed in 1995. He was 69.  

So scary that she was released in a 2-1 vote. In those days there was pressure on the Judicial system to rehabilitate especially youthful offenders. Also the cost of housing inmates definitely went into that decision. 

I can't believe they went against the Costas' wishes. They were failed by the police investigators they were failed by the courts and the parole board. Jeannette should really just now be getting out. A seven year sentence just wasn't adequate in this case. This was a horrendous crime. Kirsten suffered immensely.