The parents of murdered Poway teenager Chelsea King argue every state should have a one-strike policy for anyone convicted of certain sex offenses.
For the first time since the 17-year-old Chelsea was kidnapped, raped and killed by convicted sex offender John Gardner, the family released a statement on the anniversary of her death.
Often relatively upbeat on these anniversaries, Brent King expressed his feelings toward Gardner, calling him “the coward that shattered our world” and added that he “will someday rot in hell.”
Brent King also took the opportunity to call for a broader reach for California’s “Chelsea’s Law” writing “We need this law in every state and can only do it with your voice.”
The kidnapping and murder of Chelsea King shocked San Diego County and led to the resolution of the kidnapping and murder of Escondido’s Amber Dubois.
Chelsea disappeared during a run through the Rancho Bernardo Community Park on Feb. 25 2010. Her body was found five days later near Lake Hodges.
John Gardner of Rancho Bernardo pleaded guilty in Chelsea King’s death and at the same time confessed to killing Dubois and hiding her body a year earlier. Dubois, 14, disappeared in February 2009. Her remains were found in March 2010.
Gardner was previously convicted for molesting a teen girl but was released after serving five years in prison.
He is currently serving two consecutive life terms without parole at Corcoran State Prison near Bakersfield.
The Kings, who now live in Illinois, devote most of their time and energy to the Chelsea's Light Foundation.
The family and supports of the foundation worked to pass Chelsea’s Law in California. The measure was signed into law in February 2011.
The legislation enhanced criminal sentences for violent sexual offenders that commit crimes against children. It also provides for mandated lifetime parole and GPS monitoring and the creation of "Safe Zones" which prohibits registered sex offenders from going places where children are known to congregate.
Their daughter’s life will be remembered on Saturday at "Finish Chelsea's Run." The event begins at 7:30 a.m. at Balboa Park. NBC 7’s Artie Ojeda will be part of the event, serving as emcee.
Money raised at the 5k event will help fund scholarships for local students headed to college and support effort to continue the expansion of Chelsea's Law.