May 17, 2010
San Diego Judge David Danielsen sentenced John Albert Garner III to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole on Friday in the rape and murders of Amber Dubois and Chelsea King.
The parents of both girls were allowed to address their children’s murderer in front of a packed courthouse. Chelsea’s tearful mother described her daughter as a “sweet, loving and innocent soul” but declined to use harsh words against the confessed murderer to protect her son and “maintain the dignity of my family...” King’s father, Brent, showed less restraint when he called Gardner a “monster”, an “animal” and a “coward.”
Gardner also pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit rape of a jogger who managed to escape his attack. She addressed him in court as well, and described her experience of “pain and guilt” as a survivor and that Gardner “took from me the safety and solitude of my own mind.”
Dubois’ mother, Carrie McGonigle, knew her daughter to be a person of “profound kindness and love that has been stolen from my life...” Amber’s father had harsh words for Gardiner’s mother, Cathy Osborn, who he stated knew of her son’s predilection toward young girls, yet did nothing to protect her community from him.
King’s family has pushed for stronger sentencing for convicted sex offenders, and with the support of their local assemblyman has pushed for “Chelsea’s Law”, which calls for life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for any forcible sex crime against minors that includes one or more aggravating factors. This bill has the support of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, but has raised concern among sex offender advocacy groups who believe the law to be anger-induced and misguided.
