The news spread rapidly throughout the community that someone had been arrested for Kirstens murder. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Kirsten_Costas Kirsten would surely tell everyone how weird Bernadette was. Not that it matters, but Jeannette doesnt have several children as the poster above has written. When girls like Costas torment/bully girls like Bernadette, the tormented can just flip. Kirstens parents argued that no ones cutting up tomatoes with a knife thats almost half a metre long. Nancy didnt help her situation entirely: she had initially lied to investigators that she was at a movie at the time of the murder instead of with her boyfriend. The maximum punishment for Bridget Moretti, also known as Bernadette Prott, was nine years, but she was freed on parole seven years later, in 1992, when she was 23. Her worst nightmare is with her for the rest of her life people judging her and most think bad of her and thats why she did it in the first place. But, honestly, your theories are some of the stupidest. Bernadette had enough friends, and was Popular enough that she didnt need Kirsten, so it would of been best she left her alone. Soon after, Elaine screeched to a halt in the school parking lot, where she found her daughter waiting. M.B Mar 21, 2019 at 8:51 pm. She needs help and if she didnt get any, she is still a threat to society. Kirsten was on the cheerleading camp that Bernadette herself was supposed to be enjoying at that moment. If Kirstens friends wanted thier names told they would not of Altered them on 1980s Deadliest Decade, and changed thier Photo. Protti told police she killed her because "I was afraid she was going to tell people I was weird, according to a 1985 Los Angeles Times article. According to, I would like to remain anonymous. Either way, Bernadette had worked tirelessly to cultivate a social profile that she could be proud of. The ridiculous punishment for thr most heinous crime. There is something wrong with your community! I suppose her bristly exterior some described her as not nice was likely a way to protect herself socially, since she likely didnt have a ton of self confidence (in math, anyways). Bernadette Protti was released from prison in 1992 at the age of 23 and reportedly left California, and changed her name to Jeannette. Bernadettes family did not have the kind of money that Kirstens family did, so her ski equipment was mostly second hand or borrowed from family and friends for her to use. None of you still know why. Nancy started dressing in an alternative style, and was generally unconventional. The Costas family left Orinda and moved to Hawaii. May she rest in peace. Sure Bernadette had fit the description, right down to the Pinto. . Bridget Moretti, also known as Bernadette Protti (a murderer of Kirsten Costas), is a well-known character. I couldnt let her tell! The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Picture 61.png /. Bernadette was jealous of Kirsten especially after Kirsten got into the cheerleading squad and a spot on the yearbook committee (Mrs. Palmer was wrong on that. The movie is based on the real-lifecase of cheerleader Kirsten Costas, who was stabbed to death by her jealous classmateBernadette Protti. I just have this feeling, Palmers daughter told Palmer. A tragedy. Only God decides where Bernadette will spend eternity. In response, Bernadette started stabbing. New York Times 16-Year-Old is Held in Killing published 17 December 1984 Nancy had once told Kirsten in front of others that if she didnt shut up Nancy would kill her. Well Bernadette took a life, Kirsten was Stuck up, but no Bully at all. Mother Elaine was a homemaker, who read her bible with a stop watch. Protti fled the scene before anyone had seen her. Unfortunately, Bernadette obviously had trouble controlling her anger and impulsivity. notice.style.display = "block"; Or do you have too much material garbage stuck up your asses. So, she confessed to her parents who called the police., Palmer attended the trail. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Their whereabouts in the year 2022 are not known. Its never too late for Jeanette to say, I killed someone and I have to live with that the rest of my life. P.S. SEASON 3 EPISODE 1 / BERNADETTE PROTTI / LOCAL MOTIVE / DASH / CAT + CLOUD. As Kirsten fell, the knife was driven twice into her back. What a horrible person. People get more time for getting caught with marijuana. Rivalry was reportedly a motive. }. Kirsten Costas, a 15-year-old teen living in the small suburban California town of Orinda, was stabbed to death by her classmate Bernadette Protti, then also 15, on June 23, 1984. Feb 19, 2020 at 11:20 pm. She said she would collect Kirsten from the house at 6 pm. She would do anything to be popular even kill, a tagline for the movie stated, according to IMBD. Get real, according to reports by FBI who found out the truth Bernadette wanted to befriend Kirstin who in turn did not like her aggressive behavior. Who is killing the cheerleader cast? The Costa family settled in Hawaii, which included the mother, the fatherBeritand Kirsten's brother, Peter, after being left discouraged by the flakey judiciary. On 21 June 1984, Bernadette called Kirstens house via a pay phone. It was on a ski trip that Bernadette became the most keenly aware that she had not been truly accepted despite her inclusion as a Bobbie. The knife was huge. Protti, in 1984. The movie The Death of a Cheerleader, based on the events of Costas murder, presented Protti as jealous of Costas. Besides her crime, there isn't much about her online. "I lost for cheerleader and I didn't get the club I wanted and I didn't get (on the) yearbook (staff)," Protti told law enforcement during a taped confession, which was later played at the teens murder trial. She was 16 not 6. http://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/17/us/16-year-old-is-held-in-killing.html Later, she married her husband and is now officially known to the world as Jeannette Tomanka. Theres a reason why we treat minors as such I dont mean to ignore or lessen the pain of the Costas family, but I can forgive her. The accused, Bernadette Protti of Orinda, held her mother's hand throughout a hearing Friday in Juvenile Court here. I dont think she set out to intentionally kill her, Palmer said. Wrong, she was going to kill kirsten if she didnt agree. However there was no answer when she called. However, there just didnt seem to be any one girl who stood out as likely to have committed the crime. It is about time to take a sniff of your asses, because, it definitely smells like full bullshit! After the murder, the Costas family moved to Hawaii. Anonymous Jan 4, 2020 at 6:45 pm. Well, thats what Bernadette said happened. Kirstens was a Ranch type home. If Bernadette is truly unforgivable, then thats a judgement for either the courts or God. The following morning, a cold, blustery day, Bernadette gave her mother a letter and asked her not to open it for half an hour. Elaine, who was studying the Bible, set her kitchen timer and resumed reading. As the 30th anniversary of the murder of Miramonte student Kirsten Costas passes this year, Sharon Palmer, the mother of a friend to Costas as well as the girl convicted of the murder, considered the tragedys relevance to todays Lamorinda community. Although Bernadette was well-off, as were most Orindans, she wasn't . In the police station, she confesses and agrees to plead guilty for the murder of Kirsten. Here's what to know before you settle on the couch with some popcorn. They are so insecure, and pissed and low in their own lives they have to pass judgment on something that happened 30 years ago! We go through phases in our early teens and late teens to early 30 s we still have it somewhat. mr. a. She murdered an innocent person She should have gotten a life sentence. = Time in 30s the game is over and we change who we are. She got a light sentence because she was tried as a juvenile. She wouldnt of been so popular. I lived in the Bay Area when this happened so I remember it. Though the Bay Area is seen as a progressive community, and social organizations and educational institutions continue to preach tolerance, Palmer believes that Lamorinda is still lagging behind. The ruse worked and soon she drove up to Kirstens house and honked the horn. Bernadette wasnt a lesbian and the crime definitely wasnt premeditated. Is Bernadette Protti still in jail? Anonymous Sep 16, 2018 at 12:47 pm, It doesnt matter if Kirsten was mean or not. Bernadette faced a sentence of 9 years for second-degree murder charges. Bridget Moretti (Aubrey Peeples) is a shy outsider from a lower middle-class background who aspires to be beautiful, popular and perfect in everything, Lifetime states, describing the plot of the new version. CAMPOLINDO HIGH SCHOOL 300 MORAGA ROAD MORAGA CA, Kate Ginley, Staff WriterOctober 14, 2014. Looking at the pictures, it is shocking to see that Kirsten Costas is the face of an innocent little girl. Critically injured, Kirsten was transported to hospital. The daughter of affluent parents Arthur and Berit Costas, Kirsten Costas and her brother Peter grew up in the small suburban town of Orinda, California. Some of those cases get less then what Bernadette received at her trial. She was ordered to remain in custody on a murder charge, said Deputy. She waited for the knock at the door, the ride in the back of a police cruiser, the good cop/bad cop interrogation. Part 1: https://clickamericana.com/topics/featured/the-real-death-of-a-cheerleader-1985 Nancy fit the stereotype, and Orindas residents were comfortable with this. That night, Bernadette told her mother they needed to talk, but Elaine Protti said she was tired. So she had a few she didnt like, who doesnt. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. @OfficialBPeters. Curious Nov 29, 2016 at 7:54 am. And he is right. The knife caught Kirsten twice in the stomach, then in her hand as Kirsten raised her arm to protect her body. Yes I feel for the Costas family but their daughter was just not a nice person. She wanted to live in a home with a manicured lawn, and she also wanted to have all of the latest expensive trinkets just like the Costases, according to People. BARC shelter in Brooklyn founder Vinny Spinola,, He was one of the six shelters 25 years ago at the first Broadway Barks even helping setting up the tables,, a great loss we will miss you,, love you so Vinny . Kirsten Marina Costas (July 23, 1968 June 23, 1984) was an American high school student who was murdered by her classmate, Bernadette Protti, in June 1984. Bernadette went to school. I too am really shocked that Bernadette had such a short sentence. Coupled with the witness account from Alexander Arnold of the killer with the blonde hair and casual attire driving the Pinto, a scenario was beginning to form in the minds of investigators. She jumped out of the car and ran to the home of Alexander Arnold. My friend lived about 4 houses away. Acalanes Hosts First District Dance Since COVID-19, College and Career Hosts Engineering Talk, Wrestling Outduels for Podium Spot at NCS. Bernadettes was Brown woods bigger home. The comment above should be ignored. }, Bernadette Protti was released from prison in 1992 at the age of 23 and reportedly left California, and changed her name. Bernadette Protti Kirsten Marina Costas (July 23, 1968 - June 23, 1984) was an American high school student who was murdered by her classmate, Bernadette Protti. Ive ruined my life and yours and I dont know what to do and Im ashamed and scared. This event was immortalised in the movie Death of a Cheerleader, a retelling of the crime sympathetic to Bernadettes point of view that unfortunately comes off as a victim-blaming exercise. After reaching the house, the man asked if she needed him to stay, but Costas declined, claiming her neighbor was home, so it was fine. Shes obviously bisexual, Anonymous Mar 27, 2018 at 1:45 pm, How can she be a nurse when she murdered somebody I dont get it, Martin Jan 18, 2017 at 1:34 am. Though time has passed, the murder is still a disturbing memory for a generation of Moraga residents. While the police reviewed the case using the profile, Berit and Arthur Costas hired a private investigator. ' Palmer said. I sure hope that your small community burns down or turns to dust for its own sins. District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information, current military or military veteran status; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or special populations. Bernadette wasnt poor at all. http://articles.latimes.com/1985-03-14/news/mn-26586_1_bernadette-protti Stacey has everything: looks, personality, wealthy parents, and a pack of snooty, sycophantic friends at school. Convicted killer found teaching at Iowa high school 259,650 views Oct 24, 2012 2.5K Dislike Share Save KCCI A scandal rocked an Iowa high school after a convicted killer hiding her identity is. And in her eyes what she had, fell far short of what she believed others considered acceptable. 28 min; APR 16, 2021; SUMP COFFEE / HUGH MOTTRAM BROOKS I feel deeply for the Costa family. No. She was born on 20 September 1968. Bernadette took her life. Both were members of the swim team, but Costas was reportedly much more popular than Protti,according to the Associated Press in1984. However, true to form, Bernadette was not satisfied. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Bernadette Protti was released from prison in 1992 at the age of 23,whereupon she changed her name to Jeannette Tomanka and left California. She spoke with Berit Costas, Kirstens mother, telling her that there was a dinner being held in honour of the newly-initiated Bobbies the following Saturday. 3. According toPalmer, Bernadette was acting strange and Kirsten was frightened and wanted out of the car.. So she had more money than they deployed, and she wasnt the Outcast they made her out to be, wasnt as popular as Kirsten, but she was Close. MARTINEZ, Calif. -- The murder trial of a high school girl accused of fatally stabbing a classmate -- a popular cheerleader -- out of jealousy began Monday, and the first two witness called were. Hooray for Nancy. 2 talking about this. In August of that year, Palmer took her daughter and friends, Protti included, to Sleepy Hollow Swim Club where they had talked about how terrible a person had to be to do such a thing to their friend. Nobody deserves to die at all and for your information the real Kirsten Costas WAS NOT A BULLY they lied in the film, Emma Jun 19, 2018 at 1:54 am, So what if shes married with children?!? However, those who knew Bernadette would later state that she would absolutely have accepted marijuana if she thought it would increase her social credibility. Nicely written story, but many of the facts you stated are incorrect. Had she been convicted today she would have received 30 years at a minimum. Bernadette and Kirsten both tried out for cheerleader; Kirsten was offered a place, Bernadette was not. Even drunk DUI they dont mean to kill, but they did, yes, they have to live with it to, but a Senseless Murder is Unacceptable. Kirsten staggered to the front door of the neighbours house and banged on the door. Her mother also refused to allow Nancy to take the lie detector test. I to was bullied a little in school you can only push a person to far. Yes, cult film "Death Of A Cheerleader" is based on a true crime story and Lifetime is now releasing a remake of the Tori Spelling classic, which is good news for anyone who missed the film the first time around. I couldnt!, I think it was the shame and judgement. Background: The daughter of affluent parents, Arthur and Berit Costas, Kirsten and her brother, Peter, grew up in the small suburban town of Orinda, California. Her parents were hard-working and respectable people, but Bernadette felt that they were too old and did not listen to her. During the trial Bernadettes confession was played in full, in which Bernadette retold her version indicating she had made an attempt to become a closer friend to Kirsten. Your IP: The case of Bernadette Protti, the teen who murdered her classmate cheerleader Kirsten Costas in 1985, will be the next crime story to air on Investigation Discovery's The 1980s: The Deadliest Decade. according to the Associated Press in1984. according to a 1985 Los Angeles Times article. Bernadette Protti was released from prison in 1992 at the age of 23, whereupon she changed her name and left California. If she would of left Kirsten alone knowing Kirsten didnt want to be bothered by her, things would of been different. Time limit is exhausted. Jade Aug 27, 2022 at 10:01 am. In 1994, the plot was made into a television movie entitled A Friend to Die For (also known as Death of a Cheerleader), starring Tori Spelling as the soon-to-be-murdered cheerleader and Kellie Martin as her killer. Plus, I think Bernadette should be forgiven. Alexander offered to drive her home. It seems somewhat appropriate for the sentence to be handed down on April Fools Day: given that Bernadette had tried to plead guilty to the lesser charge, this meant the Contra Costa County had forked out tens of thousands of dollars to find out an answer they already knew. Palmer said, I was afraid to let [my daughter] go anywhere. Peter et Kirsten Costas ont tous deux grandi Orinda, en Californie. But just fine wasnt good enough for Bernadette. Your email address will not be published. Palmer disagrees. But she had told them shed been babysitting for the Weems family. Bernadette was smart but had no idea that Kirsten wouldnt be interested. Bernadette wanted to befriend her, and Kirstin was not interested. She collapsed on the ground as the door opened. She started following Kirstens lead, figuring that if she simply travelled the same road, she would achieve the same result. [Protti] probably tried to kiss her and it freaked her out. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America Protti had volunteered to drive her. She was convicted in 1985 and sentenced to a maximum of seven years behind bars and was released from prison on parole in 1992 at the age of 23. In another article by Haeseler, he wrote, unanswered to the end was what provoked Protti to stab Costas to death after luring her to a bogus sorority initiation dinner.. Whatever the truth, Kirsten screamed at her that she was being weird. Purple Haze, thank you for taking the time to to reply and to converse. It was a crime of passion!!!! Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Kirsten said she was out with a friend, but that her friend had gotten weird on her. So no they dont want thier names exposed. She was born in a wealthy house to her parents, Arthur and Berit Costas, and she had a brother named Peter, who grew up in the unassuming Californian suburb of Orinda. timeout Parents Know Their Children: Downplayed with Angela's parents. Reality Apr 6, 2019 at 1:45 am. Consequence: Incarceration in a juvenile facility. Isaiah 43:19 Your contribution will allow us to produce more issues and cover our annual website hosting costs. Dont say that! Palmer remembered telling her daughter. 2023 Campolindo High School along with the Acalanes Union High School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. She was more ashamed of what she did than killing Kirsten, Palmer said. Moretti killed Kirsten Costas, a friend of hers. If you lived in Orinda, there was competition to be the best. The FBIs profile was read out to her and she was asked whether the profile reminded her of anyone. But, had she not been such a bitch hurting people who she believed were less then her, she would not have been buried. I dont get why she only got 7 years. From what I gathered, Orinda was always judgmental. We probably will never know the reason Bernadette/Jeanette Tomanka killed her. Name: Bernadette Protti Date of birth: September 20, 1968 Location: June 23, 1984 Parents: Elaine Protti (mother Sister: Virginia Protti School: Miramonte High School Famous for: The murder of Kirsten Costas in June 1984 The motive for murder: Resentment/ jealousy Status: Released Who is Bernadette Protti? By all accounts, 16-year-old. It wasnt long into the trip that Kirsten realised that the dinner shed been told about was not an actual thing. Although Bernadette was also well off, like most people in Orinda, she was not happy with her family. if ( notice ) She was released from prison in 1992 at the age of 23 she left Ventura County. They were both accepted into the Bob-O-Links, a volunteer group with a core purpose of fundraising for a local rehabilitation unit. She was born into a devout catholic family, the youngest of six children. Kirsten Costas, a 15-year-old teen living in the small suburban California town of Orinda, was stabbed to death by her classmate Bernadette Protti, then also 15, on June 23, 1984. I blog sometimes. Half of you do not even know what is happening now with your own kids , and you want to pretend to know what happened 30 years ago today? She is very likable, has a very likable . I can never undo what I did., Anonymous Aug 17, 2018 at 3:15 am, How sick are you all defending a pathetic murdering scum bag!!