John Albert Gardner

John Gardner fixed

John Albert Gardner III (born April 9, 1979) is an American convicted sex offender and murderer. He is known for the murders of two young women in San Diego County, California: Amber Dubois and Chelsea King.

Early Life

John Albert Gardner III was born in Culver City, California. He grew up in Southern California and attended Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego. Gardner had a troubled youth, with several run-ins with the law.

Criminal History

Gardner's criminal history began in 2000 when he was convicted of molesting a 13-year-old girl. He was sentenced to six years in prison but was released after serving five years. Following his release, Gardner was required to register as a sex offender.

Murders

Amber Dubois

Amber Dubois, a 14-year-old girl, disappeared on February 13, 2009, while walking to Escondido High School in Escondido, California. Her remains were found over a year later in a remote area of Pala, California. Gardner later confessed to her murder.

Chelsea King

Chelsea King, a 17-year-old high school senior, disappeared on February 25, 2010, while jogging in Rancho Bernardo Community Park in San Diego. Her body was discovered in a shallow grave near Lake Hodges on March 2, 2010. Gardner was arrested and charged with her murder after DNA evidence linked him to the crime.

Arrest and Conviction

Gardner was arrested on February 28, 2010, in connection with the disappearance of Chelsea King. He was later charged with the murders of both Chelsea King and Amber Dubois. On April 16, 2010, Gardner pleaded guilty to the murders to avoid the death penalty. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Impact and Legislation

The murders of Amber Dubois and Chelsea King led to significant changes in California's laws regarding sex offenders. The most notable change was the passage of "Chelsea's Law," which increased penalties for sex crimes against children and imposed stricter monitoring of sex offenders.

See Also

• Sex offender registry
• Capital punishment in California
• List of serial killers in the United States