ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — In 1995, Jim Bedoya stabbed Shauna Card 67 times.
He was convicted and given a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
But after 2015, when the state Supreme Court ruled he should be re-sentenced, that legal wrangling these past five years opened old wounds for Card’s family.
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However, the family has found some peace after the new judge decided life in prison is what Bedoya deserves.
In 1995, Card’s 16-year-old classmate, Bedoya, stabbed her 67 times. A shocking murder with no explanation and no known motive.
Bedoya wasn’t even charged until DNA evidence caught up with him three years later.
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In 1999, he was convicted and given a mandatory life sentence. But more than a decade later, the state Supreme Court ruled the mandatory sentence for juveniles was unconstitutional, and ordered a re-sentencing.
It’s a move that shocked Card’s family. There was court hearing after court hearing, even an apology from Bedoya.
Old wounds reopened as they waited through years of delays, hoping he wouldn’t get out.
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Then last month, her family got their wish: The judge re-sentenced Bedoya to life in prison.
While they know there are still appeals left to come, they’re grateful Bedoya has been ordered to remain locked up for life.
“She can rest in peace that he’s still there and the rest of Orlando is safer now,” said Beverly Card, Shauna’s stepmother.
Cox Media Group
