16-year-old Luca Gero was a junior at Miramonte High School. No one deserves to be murdered. Stuck up she was, no Bully. (Bernadettes sister, Virginia, a bank examiner who took the witness stand, said she left foot-and-a-half-long knives in the car to slice tomatoes at lunchtime.). Im sorry but not sorry to be petty but Bernadette has a huge fg nose and hamster cheeks topped with a double chin. Deadly Women portrayed Kirsten differently, she was kind of like that, but cut up more and more bouncier. Bernadettes BFF. Elaine called the school, and she and her husband brought their daughter to the sheriffs office in nearby Martinez. I know a gal who knew someone who knew Kirsten. Kirstens mother was trying not to get sick. Is it respectful to write in another comment that Kirsten had it well deserved, which suggests that you think Kirstens murder was justified? I think a lot of people would have found Bernadettes plan to lure them out of their house under false pretences very disconcerting and would be angered over it like Kirsten appears to have been. Not saying she was an Angel, Im sure she said something to hurt Someones feelings, who hasnt! However, she did not deserve to die. Death of a Cheerleader follows the story of two girls in Hollybrook High, in the fictional town of Colina, California. So, I dont know, I just felt bad., She said that Kirsten, Just sort of put me down I remembered one time on the ski trip we were on together. Those who say Kirsten was a Mean Girl clearly didnt know her, or she didnt like them with (good Reasons). You can also get our free newsletter, follow us on Facebook & Pinterest. A label she will never ever get rid of, no matter how nice she becomes. Several on the site say Kirsten was Sweet Cute and Funny. And anyone messed with one of us they had to take on all of us. We all as teens said something smart to someone or hurt someones feelings. Kellie Martin did a masterful job playing the role of an awkward teenage girl desperately yearning for acceptance from the "In" crowd in high school. I think Kirsten was friends with Bernadette or she would of never gotten in her car, Kirsten was funny who she associated with. She sought refuge at her friends' house, Alex and Mary Jane Arnold. So she had money, her family did. It is done and over and over 3 decades. The movie hinted at Bernadette being gay but only a hint. Yes Kirsten and them all thought they were better than a lot. For the students, the killing and its aftermath have left bitter feelings. Its possible they forgave her and moved on. We lived it and lived through it, so its time to move on. Note: ClickAmericana.com features authentic historical information, and is not intended to represent current best practices on any topic, particularly with regard to health and safety. Her parents poor,.. yes, but spent money on that. According to the letter, she was able to live with it but couldn't ignore it. The senior class officers are President Haley Moltyaner and Treasurer. I didnt know Kirsten that well, talked to her a few times in passing but we didnt know each other. Costas, a Miramonte cheerleader, was murdered by fellow student Bernadette Protti in June of 1984. Since then, she is supposed to have changed her name and left the state of California. To bad she did cause Im sure she would of grown out of her ways and be a positive influence in someones life today even. Upon further questioning, Bernadette maintained her calm. Its sad, thats the biggest problem in this world? The film is based on Randall Sullivans Rolling Stone article of the same name. Probally Berns Relatives saying all that, or, very close friends. She looks like she would have lit up a room. You are full of it. She probaly wanted Bernadette to leave her alone thats all. If Bernadette isnt depressed it would be a Miracle. Kirsten made some comment about them, and it just seemed like everyone else was thinking that, but she was the only one who would come out and say it., MORE:Lip Smackers from Bonne Bell: The super trendy vintage lip balm from the 70s & 80s, Bernadette admitted she had made the phone call setting up a meeting with Kirsten. If you were a no body she didnt roll with you. her friends portray her as an Angel of course they do, but she did make snide remarks to people who werent like her. The San Francisco Examiner Wednesday, July 4, 1984. So Vanessa I answer your questions. All are welcome. Or someone who stares at you constantly, you got a problem doing that. I heard Kirsten was self absorbed, but no bully. Im sure Kirsten had her moments and faults and good qualities as well. I just dont understand cant people just be happy with what god has made them. As I wrote in a previous comment to you above rupaul/joy, if there was evidence of Kirsten bullying Bernadette, she would have given examples which would have strengthened her case and possibly portrayed her as a sympathetic character. She didnt like their ways mostly. Judging by the comment you have written, you know nothing about love. I knew there were girls who didnt like Kirsten not sure why, we all cant get along with everybody. Now that you know, have fun looking around! Sheriffs investigators have only leads and a description of the woman suspected of stabbing Kirsten Marina Costas to death Saturday night, but not much else. It put a huge impact on our lives, first dealing with the loss of Kirsten, then finding out a girl we all trusted was the one responsible, that is something g that scattered our lives. I remember one time coming back from skiing, my friend and I were saying how we should stab the killer 18 times for what she did. Theres other Measures to take other than Murder. I need so much help and love. They probably rubbed her the wrong way, or got on her nerves somehow. She idolized Kirsten and her clique, wanting to be more like Kirsten. As for the girls who got blamed, so sorry if your lives were miserable at the time, but remember Bernadette was scared herself and did t know what to do, she didnt aim for all that to come down. She wasnt into that game. You are bullying a dead teenage girl by deliberately and knowingly perpetuating lies about her because you appear to identify with Angela Delvecchio in Death of a Cheerleader ( a character that doesnt exist and is not a real representation of what Bernadette Protti was like). The Californian, Salinas, California Monday, June 25, 1984. As for Kirsten making fun of outcasts, I agree every school has outcasts. To much detailed stuff if you ask me. Those girls wouldnt allow you in their groups in classes, they would exclude you as an earlier article stood. You sympathize with a murderer and deliberately perpetuate lies about her victim under different aliases, yet you are telling someone else to get help? Where are the examples of Kirsten bullying Bernadette and pushing her to her limit? Does it make you feel good to knowingly lie about a dead murdered girl? She did have the cutest clothes of all time and knew it. She just got irritated cause Bernadette lied to her and lured her out under false Circumstances, Id be annoyed and Angry to. Kirstens family and Berns family were both Well off, Bern lived in a Richer part. still no right to murder anyone. Skylar Neese: The tragic story of the teen murdered by her friends. Kirsten Costas, who had just finished her sophomore year at Miramonte High School in this scenic, affluent suburb, was killed at about 10pm Saturday, Contra Costa County Sheriffs Department investigators said. She never had words with Kirsten, just said Kirsten hardly talked to her, maybe once or twice in her entire life. But would a real student please come forward and reveal yourself.. She knows how people still feel about her, she also knows she cant escape the feelings they have or ever change them even in many years to come forth. She never meant harm, as for Bernadette, Kirsten sometimes teased her, and she would be nice to her to, she just was angry for being lured out under false pretense to attend a so called party, and when Bernadette told her feeling about Kirsten, it freaked her out, she spotted something immediately, and she was right. Paris Mahone, did you even know Kirsten? However, she got a job in the student office alongside Kirsten, which resulted in the popular girl asking Bernadette to do her different favours. One version is that she was so good and bullied and another that she is a monster prepare to kill just like that? Sometimes she could come off the wrong way, but if someone rubbed her the wrong way, she would let them know. That didnt happen that way. (The misfits) we really didnt see them as Misfits. Why are you contradicting yourself? Why are you so focused on what they looked like? Orinda folks and former Students who knew Kirsten are not into Morbid fascinations. The only freak in this tragic story is Bernadette. I guess we all cant like everyone. She should have been happy With the circle of friends and family she had. If Bernadette hadnt of lied under false pretense she wouldnt of been so mad at her. Dont matter, been what 37 years. Kirsten had a good family, good life, and then this horrendous event took her life. Classes are out for the Thanksgiving holiday this week, but the Miramonte wellness center opened Monday so students could come together and grieve, make cards for Luca and talk about her tragic passing. Every School has kids people dont like! Kirsten she had her moments there was a few she didnt like, as I said, it was ones that no one else liked. On the other hand, Bernadette informed her parents that she had a babysitting job that day. Kirsten was described mostly Vibrant and friendly by others, and so was Bernadette. Everyone says this school is so boring, so they start doing things for entertainment. Absolutely not. Protti set up a trap to lure Costas into spending more time with her. She calls to classmates to ask who made pompom girl and cheerleader. You get on here and write comments all day long, repeating yourself over and over and over again. Kirsten was gorgeous! You all sound a bit like the people you are gossiping about. Lot of weirdos on this thread. If Bernadette killed Kirsten because she was bullied and put down by her, why didnt she give examples at her trial which would have strengthened her case? Some say she was Stuck up, but not a Bully. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/kirstenmarina.costas.9 we all need to teach our children to respect the feelings of others. She once told Kirsten to shut up in biology and thats why everyone thought shed done it. Is it difficult to understand why a person might not respect the opinion of someone else who supports a murderer? Thats how she probably got associated with not liking people who didnt fit in. And How!!! So you say she was a bully, well prove it. I do remember she was very insecure and would pick on B clearly an attempt to boost her confidence. Photos with blue: From the Ladies Home Journal original article; Photo 2: Kirsten Costas in Washington DC in October 1981 (from the editors personal collection). Your email address will not be published. You could see if from down the hallway," said one Miramonte student who went to school with Luca. Like I said, Kirsten was so much fun. There were girls she didnt like, either she liked you or she didnt, no in between. Kirsten was Snooty as well, so were the Stacys and the other Kirstens that ran with them. My friend loved her and said she was one that you couldnt help but love even though she could be cocky. Kirsten was just trying to find her way like we all were in a snobby, competitive crappy little town through the Caldecott tunnel. Either way, it doesnt matter because Bernadette is a bitch, which is more important any day than looks. So, what happened in 1984 and what is Protti up to today? Educate yourself about this case, you simple minded degenerate. Mats you knew Kirsten? The following morning, a cold, blustery day, Bernadette gave her mother a letter and asked her not to open it for half an hour. It doesnt sound as if Kirsten bullied Bernadette, other than the one comment about her ski gear. One girl she got mad at for saying stupid stuff around her and embarrassing her. They had to leave school. Maybe she did say some things that you didnt like, but for real! And you dont give a fuck cause you are popular? So she was a Bully, she is not here to defend herself any longer, so youre the Bully now. No matter if she was cocky or snobby; irrelevant. Bernadette was Shady then, shady now. Bernadette was a Sociopath and stalked her, and dwelled on her for Months about Kirsten not liking her when in fact Kirsten had nothing against Bernadette till that Fateful Night. Who are you to tell the judge what to say or do at that time? You need help. Kirsten was beautiful. Heres how to party like its 1969, See some slimming and sexy 1960s stretch pants, Print Color Fun: Free coloring pages & more fun for kids, Quotes Quotes Quotes: 1000s of clever & inspiring quotations, FindersFree.com: Find answers to lifes little questions. So those who say she was a real mean girl, dont know, cause I heard differently. It was a tragedy that affected so many lives at that time. You named all of Kirstens friends. Shes older also. Bernadette was paroled after seven years, for good behavior, at the age of 23. Others suffer more cause they experience the loss. Read the article. I can understand that part. Bernadette chased her. Students at Miramonte High School in Orinda, whose social acceptance Bernadette Protti craved, said yesterday she should be kept in prison for a long time. Both girls attended Miramonte High School in Orinda, California. She joined a popular clique and was noticed everywhere. If Kirsten was mercilessly cruel to Bernadette, it would have been brought up at Bernadettes trial which would have strengthened her case, but it wasnt brought up because it didnt happen. As for the girls acting like Hoes if they have PTSD from it maybe they should of thought of the consequences, before they did it. I agree Bernadette should of at least got 20 years like (Karen Severson and Laura Doyle) murder of Missy Availa, that happened a year after Kirstens like 5 hours South of us. Bernadette was also plagued by body-image issues. However, this endeavor was met with several failures. Everybody who knew her just loved her well most everybody. She was convicted in 1985 and sentenced to nine years, on a charge of second-degree murder. What bad behaviour? Sorry but the parents are to blame. Google it and Season 1 thru 3 Lindsey is on there. Now that you know, have fun looking around! People are going by that. After her sentencing, Bernadette was sent to California Youth Authority in Ventura, where she completed high school and received her GED. Especially someone who not only blames the murder victim for her brutal murder, but also blames her innocent parents? Material on this site is provided for purposes of education, criticism, commentary, cultural reporting, entertainment, historical reference, and news reporting/analysis. That still wasnt Kirstens fault. Not just the 2 accussed. Missy was Described as a Bully and Very Mean also. ( Some did) I did cause it was getting ridiculous. Thats different, and usually those were the ones that were irritating and annoying. The tragedy is some of you morons cannot get through your head that you cannot make the world like you!!! I got cut off before I had a chance to say anything else. I dont think it was so much bullying as it was insecurity, I think Bernadette said something that went all wrong in the car. And the sister projected her crappy life onto her younger sister because she was unhappy. Bernadette, the youngest of six children, grew up in a hard-working family, but she was not happy and content with how things were. Ok, I agree with you that Kirsten was better-looking, but you realize that Bernadette was part Italian, right? Notably, it was Bernadettes own confession that sealed the case against her. Finally, as an aside, I think some people need to learn the difference between fiction and reality. How did you talk and act around those girls, ask yourself that! The girl with the football players heard she was ran out on her ear and laughed out of there to. Her parents were hard-working and respectable people, but Bernadette felt that they were too old and did not listen to her. You are a sick minded individual to perpetuate that lie about Kirsten, but I suppose its easier for you and your ilk to criticize a dead teenager because she its not like she can defend herself, is it? The reporter had misunderstood. It wasnt so much how you dressed, or how much money your family had, it was on how you acted.. Our Gymn Teacher was impressed on how a lot of us girls got along, only time we bickered is when we played Soccer We were a family.. She couldnt give any more examples because there was no more examples which is why there is still no clear reason why she killed Kirsten. She slaughtered a girl. We bought a do up property. Upper middle class at least. Bernadette was afraid she would end up in the outside looking in ( which finally became the case) she took drastic measures to try and prevent it. That leaves only the knife and whether its true or not a witness corroborated the girls account. Catholic priests normally wear a violet, black or white stole during a funeral mass. Also, Kirsten was upper middle class and lived in a less expensive area than Bernadette. I would love to hear Bernadette being interviewed now about that tragic night in suburban Oakland. Bernadette was kind to. Seeing this, Alex offered to drive Kirsten home. To suggest that Kirsten deserved what happened to her because she didnt appreciate the fact that Bernadette lied to her to get her out of her house under the pretence of a bobbies initiation dinner, is very, very sick and evil and I hope for the sake of others around you that you are on some sort of medication because you appear to have issues. As for Bernadette, I didnt know her well, but said hello to her a few times in passing at school, and when she came to get the attendance slips. We have got you covered when it comes to the true story behind Death of a Cheerleader. The knife was her sisters for making lunch it was even in the movie that way. How was the judge stupid when first of all the evidence didnt show or prove 1st degree murder then secondly that was the law at the time? Were not sympathizing with you, (grow up and get over it) Theyre not going to beg you to come, and if you dont want to be found cause your life was miserable, were not really interested in finding you and apologizing. Wow all this bantering back and forth how sad. One reporter wrote that by the end of the tape, even Berit Costass head was bowed. Kirsten and she sort of got along, and,( sort of didnt). It had nothing to do with Bullying wasnt even about that, it was about forging a friendship. Kirsten was full of energy and life. The juvenile code dictates a sentence of confinement to the age of 25. Several spectators at the trial were moved by the ninety-minute confession. She had her whole life ahead of her, even if she was a smart aleck she would of grown out of it long before now. Upon her release, she reportedly changed her name. The Costas family is doing well and went on with life. I hear one girl partied a lot that hung with them. That Movie was truly (one sided) and people are just going by off that Movie, and maybe Kirsten did say some mean things to other People, but who hasnt! 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. Shut up already and get a life. Maybe Snooty, but no Bully. Nancy I know exactly how you feel. Most people would find that bizarre and off-putting and would certainly not deserve to be killed over it. She cared about people and if she thought she hurt someones feelings she would try and talk to them, we all make mistakes. The girl that stole her life from her shouldve never been released from prison. This is the true story Death of a Cheerleader is based on. Some 86 graduate girls felt ridiculed and belittled by them as well as I did and others. That would disturb most people. I never understood why Bernadette killed Kirsten. Bernadette then said she wanted to go home and think, and Hilley agreed. Is the actor married or in a long term relationship? It also evil and sick. Why couldnt her sister cut up the vegetables on the counter top where its sooo much easier??? She looked like a nice person that had a good life ahead of her. Kirsten never got to Cheer, go to Prom, Graduate or go on to College. Bernadette is hated to all over so she has answered for it. The cheerleaders in the class of 86 and 87 were mostly snobs around there. She is a Sociopath. Being disgusted that the murderer allowed two innocent girls to be accused of the murder? The day after a deadly house fire killed a 16-year-old girl at her home in Orinda, friends and family on Monday were remembering her as a vivacious young woman who could light up a room. Smoking and cussing that is mostly the ones that were disliked. She let it be known. What are you talking about?? The school was no more competitive than any other school around anywhere. So whoever wrote Miramonte was a bad school and everyone cut everyone down, maybe it was you cause you werent socially accepted, and probably didnt make the best choices, or embarrassed yourself wanting the attention and. She got a short sentence because she was tried as a minor. So yes it sucks to be bullied, but that is no excuse for any kind of physical action. People looked up to her to.. Lifetime should be ashamed. You didnt read that. (Kirsten sure didnt), Saying bullies need to get what they deserve. How is sweet referred to Murder? She didnt deserve to die. Regardless no one deserves to die like that. She didnt Bully Bernadette, Just was irritated cause she lied to her, and her mom about the Party, and all. A Murderer, So Kirsten was a Snob, a lot of ppl are, the way she died,was Horrific. What about its about time, the one who knew Kirsten? Although Kirsten was surprised to find out that it wasn't one of her friends as expected, she obliged and got into the car. Bernadette had tried for the cheerleading squad as well but had not made the cut. Id been weirded out to. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Not to mention all over the world. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The ones no one else liked theres a reason usually. Like Missy Availa saying she was roughish and wild and Loose, didnt give Karen Severson and Laura Doyle any right to murder her either. She threw up sour cream and onion chips. The case was solved in December 1984, and a classmate named Bernadette Protti was arrested. Others didnt want any part of them cause Orinda kids want to be liked and accepted, and if you hang out with kids who arent you make yourself and outcast to. Youre no better than Bernadette haters as well. Reports suggest that Bernadette was sent to the Youth Authoritys Ventura School, and according to the CYA (California Youth Authority), she earned her high school diploma with a 4.0 average. According to her attorney, Charles James, juveniles convicted of murder in California serve an average of four to six years. Heres what I think came down, the 2 girls had an argument and Bernadette was afraid she would of been kicked out of the (Bobbies) and excluded from that group. Bernadette is a Weirdo as Kirsten spotted, this wasnt about Bullying, it was about being called out in front of the School, and tarnishing her reputation, which in the long run it did. She was Strange to. Nurturers dont kill people. and the one who was ran out of School for getting drunk at a Party and messing with ajocks? She as I said, didnt want to be bothered with stupid acting people. She told them that she was with a friend and she had gotten weird on her. The film explores the events that lead up to, and play out, after the murder, shocking the community to its core. She talked to most people. Anonymous, Kirsten had a bigger heart than people knew about. If every teen girl was to be murdered due to bullying and being Stuck up, and also Loose with boys then we wouldnt have any teen,girls at all. It has her sister cutting vegetables with a ridiculously long knife too, and Kirstens parents were right who cuts up vegetables with a knife that long that they keep in the car? That could hurt much more than death. To conclude, it is obvious that Death of a Cheerleader is based on a true event that shocked the small American town. So whoever said Kirsten was mean, and was a B I cant picture that, I didnt know her very well either, we all have a mean side, I never seen it in her. Thats my belief. Your email address will not be published. How is obsessing over this going to solve the problem? Protti didnt get a short sentence because she claimed to have been picked on. "I lost for cheerleader and I didnt get the club I wanted and I didnt get (on the) yearbook (staff)," Costas' murderer explained in a taped confession cited by Los Angeles Times. And in the movie, the big butcher knife sat between the 2 girls in the car. Instead of walking home, she accepted her friends' offer to drive her home. Theres way to much in Life than to be spending it chasing someone around over 30 years ago the justice system failed, its just pointless. You need to educate yourself before speaking on things you have no clue about. You are lying. I believe they wouldnt allow you to read if you were in a group with them, thats there Nature towards people who they feel superior to. Kirstens friends who said she was nice, well they were all in some (Clique) and stuck together and helped one another out. She is in her 50s currently, and it seems like she has gotten a fresh start at life. Catholic priests normally wear a violet, black or white stole during a funeral mass. Those movies arent for real! Im not sure about that case, but Kirsten I cant picture her being a bully, yes telling how she felt, that she did well. In the end, the wannabe cheerleader was found guilty of second degree murder, with the judge rejecting the idea that the murder was premeditated. Yes Kirsten May of been Snooty, but she was also adorable to those who knew her. The rest of you can lurk around and limp your hunchback selves to therapy. I was in 8 the grade with Kirstens brother Peter and Bernadette had babysat me years prior and was very sweet. Youve got to be kidding right?! I didnt know her, but what teen girl isnt sassy and smart aleck, but no reason to kill them, they grow out of it eventually. She loved life, never seen her get ugly with anyone, I really cant picture that. Really? Kirsten was one to always have fun, Was Orinda elite, yes, but they had a lot of wonderful people there to, and they helped one another. Later, she would throw her T-shirt and sweatpants in the garbage dump of the Sleepy Hollow Swim Club. Yes sex offenders have to let people know theyre registered sex offenders true, but Bernadette was a child who murdered another child in the (courts eyes) I agree she should have to let people know what she did, but Court system is the one to blame for that. As for Bernadette, do I believe she was a nice girl, yes I believe she was, but she became overly jealous that led her to rage and murder. Blaming Kirstens parents for her death is the epitome of classlessness and disrespect. Man you all just know Kirsten a small World. Kirsten, the apple of the eye, soon began to make waves at school. So some of them will say Orinda had snobs. I never seen her make fun of anyone, of course, I wasnt around her that much, but she was friendly and nice. Kirsten was Cute and funny from my Standpoint. Learn how your comment data is processed. Plenty of facts support that view. people arent to worried about this case any longer. You Mats that knows Kirsten, why was she so Mean? The father was so ignorant and submerged in his cars he didnt even notice his daughters pain and problems. As any 15 year old would.even today in 2015. Joe Kosla, where are you?