LOCAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, VICTIMS’ FAMILIES PROTEST GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S BLANKET DEATH PENALTY MORATORIUM

Riverside County is the Second Stop on the Orange County District Attorney’s “Victims of Murder Justice Tour” as Part of Statewide Effort Denouncing Suspension of Death Penalty

WHO: Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, and loved ones of those murdered by defendants who have been sentenced to the death penalty

WHAT: News conference opposing the death penalty moratorium imposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This is the second stop on the statewide “Victims of Murder Justice Tour,” which began in Sacramento on April 11.

WHEN: Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Victims Memorial Wall Courtyard

Riverside County District Attorney’s Office

3960 Orange St., Riverside, CA 92501

ATTENDEES: Joe Bonaminio, father of military veteran and Riverside police Officer Ryan Bonaminio who was murdered in the line of duty in November 2010 by a man in a stolen big-rig.

James Jordan, brother of Susan Jordan, a 15-year-old girl who was kidnapped and murdered in Riverside in 1980. Susan’s killer – a serial rapist — stole her school ID, then called and taunted her mother, telling her she’d never see her daughter again and where she could find Susan’s body. James will be reading a letter written by his mother.

Marilyn VanKleef, mother of 18-year-old Jason VanKleef, who was murdered in March 2001 by a man who also murdered two other teenagers, ages 15 and 17, in Rialto. Her son’s case was featured on America’s Most Wanted.

Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco

Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz

San Bernardino County Assistant District Attorney Julie Peterson

MEDIA PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to attend, please bring credentials showing your media affiliation and have them available upon request.

News vans and trucks will be able to park at the red and yellow curbs along Orange Street, between 9th and 10th streets beginning at 9 a.m.

This news conference is NOT open to the public.

NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, the news conference will be held in the Media Briefing Room adjacent to the Victims Memorial Wall courtyard.