John Albert Gardner III received a very light sentence in 2000 after prosecutors ignored a a psychiatrist’s warning and suggestion of a stronger sentence.
Prosecutors noted John Gardner’s lack of criminal history, and tossed in the standard “wanted to spare the victim the trauma of testifying” card when seeking the five year prison term for the sexual assault of a 13 year old girl.
Chelsea King, 17, has been missing five days, her clothes have been found, and reports are coming in now that a body has been found in the search area.
John Albert Gardner was arrested in connection with Chelsea King’s disappearance on Sunday, February 28th, 2010.
Chelsea King, John Albert Gardner: Body OF Missing Teen Found?
John Albert Gardner III faced an eleven year maximum sentence under a plea agreement arranged a decade ago; however lenient prosecutors urged only six of those and the Judge complied.
Gardner plead guilty to assaulting a 13 year old girl. He served five years. A mere five years.
Prosecutor’s acknowledge in an eleven page memo that John Albert Gardner “never expressed one scintilla of remorse for his attack upon the victim.”
Dr. Matthew Carroll gave his opinion in the sentencing memo also, stating: “There is no known treatment for an individual that sexually assaults girls and does not admit to it in any way.”
This psychiatrist warned the powers that be that Gardner would re-offend. He pleaded for a 30 year prison term.
Now Chelsea King, 17, beloved daughter, honor student, athlete, friend to all, has gone missing and John Gardner is behind bars. It’s expected that he will be charged with rape and murder tomorrow morning, Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010.
A body was found just a few yards from where Chelsea’s shoe was found. The body was in a shallow grave and is assumed to be that of Chelsea King. The body was located shortly after 4:00pm, EST.
There is strong physical evidence tying this rape and murder to John Gardner; however, please remember that in our judicial system, he is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. He is currently being held in solitary confinement, for his protection of course.
Police are also looking for a link between John Gardner and 14 year old, still missing Amber Dubois.
Chelsea King, John Albert Gardner: Body OF Missing Teen Found? is just the latest in a series of young women being kidnapped, raped and murdered.
What a sad day in our country when a vibrant, bright and beautiful young woman can’t even jog in broad daylight. I won’t call this phenomena a war on women, as I often hear. I do however think it’s an undeclared war on society in general.
I sense change is coming. It’s just a shame that Chelsea King had to die before it is enacted. Our children are priceless and precious; it’s time we showed these murdering rapists that we are not tolerating this anymore.
We offer our heartfelt sympathy to Chelsea King’s family and loved ones.
Your thoughts?
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:32 pm
I have so many questions. Why were these warnings about this psycho ignored and he let out — ESPECIALLY because he showed no remorse? A life full of promise is now gone forever, because of that.
Why was he given such a short parole and his GPS taken off in 2008 when it ended? Why was information not posted on that jogging path/in the media about the attack on the other girl? If it had been, Chelsea King might still be with us; if women and girls knew there was a nutcase lurking there, they probably would not jog there.
This reminds me of the Chandra Levy case; the man they believed killed her, had previously attacked other women in the same area.
And finally, why were these extensive search tactics not used a year ago to try to locate Amber Dubois? I so hope the authorities can find out what happened to her.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:37 pm
@ Mary Elizabeth: I have those same questions.
I doubt those that helped this monster keep his freedom ever have a decent nights sleep again.
I’m waiting now on the “pass the buck” syndrome to show up. The excuses will probably be many.
There should be no excuse. None.
It’s high time we insist on accountability.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:51 pm
[...] Read JoAnne Thomas at 4:37 pm (2) [...]
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:59 pm
The problem is that rape and assault against womyn and children is not seen as the henious crime that it should be seen as. Often times, because MENNNNN run our judicial systems and don’t see the severity of the issues, these monsters are let out of jail early. and what happens? They get on the street and start doing it again.
So this asshole, he got out when? in 2005? So this means that for 5 years he could have done numerous things to other girls, and this time he got caught.
These men cannot be rehabilitated, and you cannot just throw them back on the streets, yet it happens everyday.
There needs to be a complete overhaul on the judicial system. Absolutely ridiculous.
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:01 pm
We r visitors from Sevierville Tn we think that is awful.I think he should be put to death,don’t say he mental he knew what he was doing he took her life away innocent,young or put him in there and let the prisoners take care of him.Hes a sickco they found his DNA on her underwear put him to death no trial he didn’t give her that chance.
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:06 pm
THAT SOB NEED TO BE PUT TO DEATH ASAP,HE SHOULD OF NEVER BEEN LET OUT OF PRISON.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HER FAMILY!!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:09 pm
@ Chris…I agree 1000%. So far, I’m in agreement with all the comments. However, given a short period of time, someone will defend Gardner and want to cure him with a hug and kiss.
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
sevierville tn are prayers are with the family!My daughter lives her because her husband is in the military.I told her to get out of CA as soon as she can this is a DANGEROUS CITY!
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:21 pm
It is a DANGEROUS world, no female should be alone EVER. Daylight, especially at night. People have to WAKE UP. There is so much perversion in this world and men just drink it up. Yes, there are those very lost women that participate in the world of triple x movies doing major damage to us all. If I had a daughter, I would be her shadow, seriously. I have two boys and I talk about this issue regularly so they don’t believe adults, especially men, have it all together and are to be trusted. If they want to play, they play in the backyard or outside their buddies house and small increments of time spent inside anyone’s home. Parents must be diligent.
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:39 pm
I am very sorry for the pain Chelsea had to endure, and the pain that her family now faces. I frankly don’t understand why a young girl wouldn’t be strongly discouraged, or forbidden, from jogging alone on a wooded path. The very idea gives me the chills in this world full of heartless people. Young people are idealistic and carefree, they don’t always think about consequences, so they need adults to persuade them away from activities that look innocent but can be a terrible trap.