A 16-year-old girl was convicted Wednesday of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of a classmate she feared was about to tell schoolmates that she was "weird.". Bernadette was sweet, cant imagine her even capable of something like Murder, but she was. She may of just wanted to scare Bernadette so she would leave her alone (Bernadette) Bernadette took things way to personal, and, it became Personal.. Joe Kosla hi. I dont think she was, just a teen girl who was like the rest in competition. Wow all this bantering back and forth how sad. Karen, it wasnt about Bullying, it was over jealousy issues. Her BFF said the same exact thing abour Kirsten She doesnt even want any former BFFs knowing her location anymore. I just didnt bother with them. When Kirsten approached the Pinto she looked inside and said blandly, Oh, its you.. Shes obviously mentally ill . A few left our school, one who went out with a lot of football players getting wasted, she was demonized badly also. Are you suggesting by your comment Kirsten had is well deserved that Kirsten deserved to be murdered because she understandably didnt take kindly to being lured out of her house under false pretences to a bobbie (sorority) dinner that didnt exist by someone she wasnt friends or even acquaintances with and was then driven to an empty car-park at night. Kirsten and Bernadette were both friendly and nice girls. From a standpoint Kirsten was Adorable and fun person. Whats been done has been done. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Bernadettes BFF. So I would say to any bully, we all have our weaknesses,. She called Kirsten names. Bernadette Protti is believed to have changed her name, gotten married (causing her last name to change again), and became a nurse and medical journal author in suburban Dallas (Grapevine TX). Cant tell you fi shes still married. All Rights Reserved. Instead of walking home, she accepted her friends' offer to drive her home. She was friendly and outgoing. The things that got me mad was it hurt and I couldnt change like looks or money or popularity or things," Protti added later on. Its best not to post comments at all on Bernadette anymore. You Mats that knows Kirsten, why was she so Mean? Her friends were all Pretty. Kirsten wasnt a Bully, she was Conceited and stuck up. She didnt have time to (bully). 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. We had quite a few of them there. For the students, the killing and its aftermath have left bitter feelings. Bernadette had it all planned, if Kirsten didnt give her the response she hoped for, she was planning to kill her. The school is planning a memorial that will likely be held Sunday night on the Miramonte campus. I know beauty is all a matter of perception, not that it matters but in no universe would Bernadette be considered better looking. Not true, analyzes yourself if they were snobs to you, probably embarrassed yourself by trying to hard to be accepted, or you were a troublemaker and a bully yourself. We have got you covered in that regard. Its sad, thats the biggest problem in this world? Society in the richest places raise their children to be obnoxious and unbearable little freaks who will at some point push a normal person to the brink,so whatever happens is something they are a part of as well as the person they have pushed. She could of been real nice and friendly. Most teen girls are smart alecky and mean. On top of this, her house was a bit dilapidated. first of all, the judge had to be stupid to find it second degree murder and it doesnt matter if she didnt plan to kill kirsten. Cant imagine what feelings the Costas family had either. She didnt want to be bothered with her either. B was so quiet of a person we figured just talking about something like that made her sick. Bernadette joined the Bobbies, a volunteer group created to organize fundraisers and other charitable events. According to People, Protti attended her funeral just like everyone else in her school. We know Bernadette has issues, you that like her and defend her have Issues as well. Bridget is a shy outsider, who wants to be popular and beautiful. Nurturers dont kill people. Thats teens for you, its tough being a teen, most of them are smart alecky at some time or another, but we outgrow it. If Kirsten was so mean, why didnt Bernadette just stay away from her? Bernadette then drove Kirsten to an empty car-park and appears to have confessed feelings of admiration for her. . No, it is about love, people. No one wanted an absence to be confused with an arrest. They were all fun gals to be around. If you liked this article, please share it! Kirsten wasnt a Bully. No one owes anyone a thing. Those who say Kirsten was a Mean Girl clearly didnt know her, or she didnt like them with (good Reasons). My sympathies are with the Costas family and i hope they have managed to move on. I certainly dont condone murder under any circumstances even if someone is being bullied but I certainly think it is a terrible thing to actually do a movie that is based on true events without any detail to the accuracy of the characters. God calls people home not Bernadette. I never thought she would go as far as murder. Material on this site is provided for purposes of education, criticism, commentary, cultural reporting, entertainment, historical reference, and news reporting/analysis. Read the article. Find out more here. She had taken Kirsten out in her car, where the latter felt that Bernadette had gone weird. We are all different. Oh youre so pretty and popular and amazing I think thats what Kirsten meant by her friend getting weird Then she killed her rather than have Kirsten tell everyone she was a lesbian. She was the (In crowd) Bernadette was desiring to be the incrowd. Bernadette her family says she is suffering from Depression maybe karma collecting. I guess we all cant like everyone. Kirsten from what I heard was arrogant and self absorbed, but no bully, just a typical teen girl who didnt deserve to die even if she was a bully. In PEOPLE, the article stated that Bernadette feared hurting her family by leaving them behind: If I kill myself, I will hurt people even more (my family). [13 May 1985, Arthur Lubow] I think its also safe to assume that her Catholic faith played a part in her decision. Teenagers killed each other for being bullied or cause they are lesbian? Whos to say she hasnt Murdered again, if so, she Covered her tracks better, and probaly let an innocent person take the blame and maybe jailed for it. However, we should leave our readers with the thought that if Bernadette had committed the crime today, she would not have gotten off as easily as she did back in 1985. You know whats really sad? She did have money, dont let that other Mats tell you any different. You call the pic of her double chin better looking? Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead on Saturday, June 23, 1984, as one of the stab wounds had bisected the heart's major artery. A few more saying they didnt fit in and refuses to come to Reunions, I say you dont want to come then dont. I hardly knew this girl. She didnt have enemies,(that were known), just a fallout with Nancy. You knew both girls? In the end, the wannabe cheerleader was found guilty of second degree murder, with the judge rejecting the idea that the murder was premeditated. But for the most part Kirsten got along with mostly everyone. She picked up Kirsten for dinner as promised, using her parent's car. The best way is to bring bullies down a peg or a few. To anyone that wishes to support Kirstens memory, and believes Kirsten didnt deserve what happened to her, please have a look at, and join her Facebook Memorial Page. Im sorry but I disagree. And anyone messed with one of us they had to take on all of us. She was just into herself more than a being a bully. Kirsten always showed off her cheers, she was proud. One thing is for certain, Bernadette has not had any serious run-ins with the law since her release from prison. Wish someone would come back on here and tell us more about it. That Movie had Tori Spelling kind of a Bully. If we all got along with everyone then it would be boring. It was all over popularity, and fitting in. She should of told the truth and met Kirsten at the house and talked there with her parents present. Killing is still not an excuse but Id have to say the real losers out of this situation are Bernadettes parents. The boys at Miramonte liked Bernadettes childhood friend and Kirsten, none were interested in Bernadette. What teen isnt? Like Missy Availa a girl said Missy was the meanest girl she ever met, and her worst bully ever. so dont mock, offer to help thus build bridges. Sweet Melancholy my tail. I highly doubt I would like you either. Kirstens friends dont sit and discuss Morbid depressing stuff to start with. She is unstable and who knows what she will do. Only talked to her once or twice ever. I also noticed, in both movies, Bridget/Angela kept staring at Kelly/Stacy. So they had a clique, what School or job doesnt? Abe that was your downfall. I hear she suffers from depression to. She was home with a friend and an adult man who was watching them, classmates say. Please explain how Bernadette was pushed to the brink? In USA is more important to be popular, not smart, no matter how you treat others you become popular just because you say some joke or anything else to molest the person. I know a gal who knew someone who knew Kirsten. They had Bernadette as a suspect and only give her a lie detector test? She calls to classmates to ask who made pompom girl and cheerleader. Columbine has nothing to do with case and you know well that the two cant be compared. I also was in a school where most others came from two income families and most of the parents were accountants, lawyers or doctors. For one, some of Heather Cranes former classmates have started speaking to Heather again. She also took enough courses through a local community college to graduate with an associate in arts degree. I could call you out but I wont. Mats Kirsten probaly didnt like you, dont mean she was that way to everybody. Yes Kirsten May of been Snooty, but she was also adorable to those who knew her. Required fields are marked *. Really? School is what you make of it, bullying goes on all the time no reason to Murder over that, Kirsten would of grown out of it by now even if she was a bully. I wouldnt doubt it cause thats how much she is hated in Orinda. Ive been able to live with it for a while but I cant ignore it Im even worse than words can describe and I hate myself ., In a P.S., she wrote, Please dont say how could you or why because I dont understand this and I dont know why. Well one mother of her friend on a blog told Kirsten was Exclusive and liked everyone. Your lack of self awareness is both amusing and perplexing. It focuses on an American town, which is rocked by a violent crime. I wasnt in the Popular, but those girls still talked to me and was friendly with me. I heard from an article from her friends mom, Kirsten wasnt exclusive and liked everyone. Im sure she dont really like Bernadette, and she wouldnt go out to dinner with her, or have her over for dinner or go places with her, and welcome her with open arms. Doesnt make her a killer, thats being a teenager but dont make it sound like she just said shut up thats unrealistic. If she does go back there its only to see her family who is still there, and she wont leave The Whole time shes there or contact a soul. Believe me it was a 6 month witch hunt. Shes no better than you. 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 attended school in New York City and there are nothing but cliques. Senseless. Smoking and cussing that is mostly the ones that were disliked. 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. Stuck up she was, no Bully. Kirsten understandably didnt appreciate the fact that she was lured out of her house under false pretences, so she left Bernadettes car. Anyway, the past cannot be erased, rather we can learn from every instance and scenario. ( Some did) I did cause it was getting ridiculous. Not to mention all over the world. Probaly the one who gave details on all those bullied girls at Miramonte. Why cant people leave this case alone. Kirsten had exotic features from her full volumes curly locks to her tan skinnot to mention her eyes were also sky blue. And yes, I was bullied in high school too. Between 10-15 years ago bullying came into the news. Everyone knew the killer had been apprehended, but no one knew who it was. Bernadette is still a Pathetic Loser, and always will be. Everyone loved my friends because they were funny and not rich. If the ones acting like Hoes were demonized while everyone lived happily ever after, why were they demonized. It just became a War between the 2 which one was better, and Kirsten was, and Bernadette wanted to be, and Kirsten was in her way. Several Miramonte folks from the class of 1986 complained it was rough and if you werent accepted you were ran off and out of there. Distractify is a registered trademark. She idolized Kirsten and her clique, wanting to be more like Kirsten. If she didnt like someone , there was a reason. I was even accused of being (Stuck up) We were all just Misunderstood. This is Berns BFF or her Sister or Bern herself, no one else would go to such extend to call a dead girl names. The movie starred Tori Spelling and Kellie Martin and was released in 1994. Be honest with yourselves. She was nice to her friends though. As a result, many students believed that she was responsible for killing Kirsten. still no right to murder anyone. How is sweet referred to Murder? So Bernadette helped her out to gain acceptance. Karen, keep repeating the same Comment over and Her one friend in the group changed, she now fights for womens right. Next to Orinda. Rupaul and Sarah, Bernadette has friends and fit in. Eventually, the FBI pinned the murder on Bernadette Protti, who was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to nine years in prison. Material on this site is provided for purposes of education, criticism, commentary, cultural reporting, entertainment, historical reference, and news reporting/analysis. This girl wanted to be accepted but was met with several failures, including failing to make the yearbook staff. I didnt really know her, just who she was, same for Bernadette. This is exactly why the Columbine shooting happened, and why these things happen in the first place. I just heard that Kirsten was full of energy and life. She was mean and Stuck up also. My kid knows better than to bully others. I just felt like I didnt fit in at Miramonte or Orinda. Kirsten is forever missed. She said Bernadette was kind of Snooty also. And the color pictures of the school are photographs I took. Bern was more well off than a lot of people in the Neighborhood she grew up in. I think Kirsten probably threatened to tell everybody their bizarre conversation in the car that night. Those girls arent that way as I said, they still get together on Occasion and all and are fine Adult Women. 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? She is In her 50 s now, thats if shes alive. At the start of the proceeding, Bernadette sat facing forward, her mouth slack, her eyes unfocused. Sarah Dugdale was cast as the victim, Nina Miller. Guys can be, girls are Worse. IN REALITY, Kristen was, at worst, sometimes catty to Bernadette. The Petaluma Argus-Courier Tuesday, June 26, 1984, San Francisco Examiner Thursday, June 28, 1984, San Francisco Examiner Friday, June 29, 1984. As for Nancy Kane she was the best in that group cause she was real, and they couldnt deal with that. "She was beautiful inside and out, with an amazing personality that will live on forever," said one classmate. She was snooty to or maybe just misunderstood. Check out these sexist stewardess job requirements of the 50s & 60s, The original Rice Krispies treats recipe from 1940 & its delicious history, 100 vintage 1960s supermarkets & old-fashioned grocery stores, Vintage Fostoria glass: 100+ old patterns, colors & styles of the classic American glassware, Why the old Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New York was the very definition of extravagance, See some huge classic 50s station wagons, with fins & rear-facing back seats, Remember these? Kirsten liked almost everybody. This is what can happen when you are a bully. I dont understand why you sympathize with a murderer and perpetuate lies about her murder victim under different aliases. If Bernadette killed Kirsten because she was bullied by her, why didnt she give examples at her trial, which would have strengthened her case? Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Kirsten was described mostly Vibrant and friendly by others, and so was Bernadette. Maybe LP doesnt want to be the Life of the party. So RuPaul,Kelly and Sarah, you all need to get facts before you say Kirsten got what she deserved. She was committed to the California Youth Authority. Was she snotty to? This is the true story of 15-year old Kirsten Costas who was stabbed to death by a classmate, Bernadette Protti, on June 23, 1984. Even if Missy and Kirsten were Bullies bo reason to Murder them. Even before I read about the real case, I thought the movie blamed the victim way too much. Miramonte sounds like it had its share of Bullying. Poor bernadette seemed very vulnerable and in need of help. Im incandescent with rage. We are no longer in the 80 s and never will be again. From the author who also runs this site: The yearbooks ARE in my private collection, as is the huge picture of us in Washington DC. Bernadette lived in a wealthier area than Kirsten. I even was smart alecky as a teen, its just something that takes over your mind and body. This Virus is killing all the World over, esp. According to her attorney, Charles James, juveniles convicted of murder in California serve an average of four to six years. Here is a collection of newspaper headlines and stories published in California papers immediately after the cruel murder of Kirsten Costas. She should have been happy With the circle of friends and family she had. 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. Who are you to tell the judge what to say or do at that time? Kelly, Karin and Brooke, her friends shout. She hasnt been there in awhile that I know of. Lets make it a great Memorial for Kirsten. No there were several girls bullied, but Bernadette wasnt one. ?lol go guys and do some research..the real Bernadette was very beautiful,(but poor) while the real Kristen was very average (but rich)Kristen well deserved her fate,all the bullies making others life miserableno sympathy from me at all. Bernadette had devised an ingenious plan to win over Kirsten. 15-year-old Kirsten Costas was ruthlessly murdered on June 23, 1984, by one of her schoolmates. But this is just my opinion, dont come after me :/. I still cant believe this individual who killed someone because of jealousy, if she was so down in the dumps they why didnt she just KILL herself?????? If she would of left her alone, Kirsten wouldnt of ever bothered her, those TV movies Kirsten wasnt nothing like Tori Spelling, in the 2nd movie a little maybe she was like that girl, but more funnier. Kirsten loved playing Nancy Drew, she and her friends were crazy, I would tell them, I got to put up with you guys today. It shocked everyone in the small community where crimes were something to be read about. Bernadette then stalked Kirsten all the way to her house which would anger and disturb most people. And back then Bernadette was never going to admit that. No justification for Murder. Maybe I made a mistake somewhere in the story (not sure youre mostly just saying I was not being honest what is that about?). Its not about them, its all about Kirsten who,was,robbed of her life, and robbed from her family. If Bernadette was so Sweet would of never murdered. So Mats Bernadette was Sweet. I knew both gals. All teen gals are (snotty) for the most part, but grow out of it. On April 1, the first hot day of spring, while kids throughout Orinda were signing up for Meadow Pools summer swim team, Bernadette Protti was sentenced. I have to laugh with this being 2021 and the person with the most judgment has the name of Karen. Lifetimes Death of a Cheerleader brings the horrific murder of Kirsten Costas, back into the limelight. Most people would be angered and perturbed by that kind of behavior. Sorry about that. Kirsten Costas was the cheerleader in question; she was also a star on the varsity swim team at Miramonte High School in Orinda, California. I cant assimilate anyone on the appearance to defend a so-called bullying. Well said Sarah. Kirsten didnt hate anyone, (as for Dee) she didnt like the way she acted thats all. Joy, why dont you stick to writing under one name instead of creating different aliases? Lemme tell all of you a little something because I lived and breathed the entire lifestyle of growing up in orinda and knew both Bernadette and kirsten. Bern want the poor girl Deployed in the movie. Kirsten had a good family, good life, and then this horrendous event took her life. I cant bring her back, but Im sorry. She should of just left Kirsten alone and went on with other things, Kirsten wouldnt of gave her any thought otherwise, but she was just obsessed with Kirsten and Kirsten liking her, that was the main focus in her life, and it took Kirstens unfortunately. I believe Bernadette tried to friend her, and as I read and I do believe she acted on impulse, I believe she was just so enraged she snapped and did the (unthinkable). Thier homecoming Queen was friendly and always spoke to people. Kirsten didnt have anything against Bernadette before the murder.So Kirsten made a few comments. Everyone wants to be the best. There is absolutely no justifying what she did and if you feel justifiedthen at the core, you are the problem, not the pretty, popular girl. Teenage years are hard on all of us. and sexy fashion fad, 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. She could be mean, in fact, I could see her getting mean before I could see Kirsten. Cause Kirsten was friends with most people who were (popular) and Bernadette wanted to be included in that so badly.. Well to a degree maybe, but Bernadette stalked her and longed fro a friendship. I think the outcast girls there would say Kirsten was a (bully) chaise no one liked them, and they would say that. I know some fragile ppl, and theyd kill themselves before someone else. On the afternoon of the third day of the trial, Judge Edward Merill found Bernadette Protti guilty of second-degree murder. Maybe if Bernadette wouldnt of chased her, she wouldnt of had to of murdered her. The school was a freak show. Its possible they forgave her and moved on. So she didnt like everybody who does? I didnt know Kirsten but a friend of mine knew her well, she was a (Bubbly) girl and yes she was (self absorbed) what teen girl isnt. I saw an interview with one of her classmates who described her as mean. I believe the conversation was very bizarre to, about desperation of a friendship. This girl lives in San Francisco and knows a person who knows someone who knew Kirsten. Being disgusted that the murderer allowed two innocent girls to be accused of the murder? "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. She was friendly, but kind of Arrogant as well. Elaine, who was studying the Bible, set her kitchen timer and resumed reading. But it wasnt a big fallout, just words between them.. Karen, where are you? I want popular, but had friends who were, I didnt sulk about it, I did sports, not clubs or cheerleading. 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. She joined a popular clique and was noticed everywhere. So think before you get that angry cause there is no turning back from it. The teen girl died in a fire at 6 a.m. Sunday morning in the Orinda home where she lived that is now the site of a growing memorial. Even her childhood BFF cant forgive her for such a Horrible Act, if it was drugs or Alcohol she was I. As for LF aka LP she just disappeared off the map somehow. I was there too. Guys just didnt really notice her. She may of been Stuck up most Cheerleaders are, but she was no where near a Bully or made fun of people. Oh Im sure they so love having thier names and business displayed for the World to see. On December 11, nearly every girl attending Miramonte, even those with the flu, showed up. If it hadnt of been Kirsten, itd been her childhood friend, or someone else, cause Bern has Jealousy Issues. Beauty and the Beast and D are still the Life of a Party at times, esp Reunions. Orinda was not Beverly Hills. In 1984, California's Miramonte High School cheerleader and all-around popular teen, Kirsten Costas, was murdered by her classmate Bernadette Protti, who was not only jealous of Kirsten's high-profile life but bitter and resentful that she took did not get picked for cheerleading or the yearbook committee. Was Bernadette fragile when she took Catechism classes with one of the accused girls and would have no doubt seen the emotional toll being falsely accused of murder would have taken on the girl, yet she acted like nothing was amiss. She was not any Chris Hargensen in Carrie, or Regina George in Mean Girls or anything like that, she was totally down to Earth and engaging from what I was told. I was raised to treat others with respect. Hundreds of mourners filled the great sanctuary of the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church yesterday to pay their last respects to Kirsten Costas. Or do you mean that you think she was a fragile human being before she brutally murdered Kirsten? My friend was a friend of hers. Bernadette watched as they left and followed them, parking outside Kirsten's home. Bernadette shoukd of just acknowledged Kirsten was around and spoke Civil to her, without forging the friendship. Where are the examples of Kirsten bullying Bernadette and pushing her to her limit? Click here to read more of the story, which later became the (fictionalized) subject of not just one but two TV movies A Friend to Die For and Death of a Cheerleader.. Well hes probaly no better. What bad behaviour? They also laughed at you in the halls when you passed them, Bernadette to and Kirsten, I wasnt in the (wonderful in crowd) so I didnt fit in their world. Read the facts of the case instead of perpetuating lies that Kirsten pushed Bernadette or that she bullied Bernadette. I hear Kirsten was Beautiful inside and out. She was obsessed with being liked and Kirsten not liking her.
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