In December of 1992, Justin Hopper, was making plans to move and get a fresh start. He was a high school senior at the time when he found himself in a dangerous situation. Justin had been selling drugs, and his instincts told him he needed to get out of that lifestyle before something bad happened. Justin was much more than a drug dealer, though. He was a kind-hearted, caring guy with a sentimental side. He was a football player who maintained good grades in school. Justin shared his plans to escape the lifestyle he was living with his close friend, Suzi. Sadly, Justin had no idea that he only had a few more weeks to live after sharing his plans with Suzi. Justin would never get the fresh start he desired because two gun-loving classmates had other plans for him.MURDERISH now has a Patreon page! If you’d like to support the Podcast and get special perks in exchange, click here: www.patreon.com/murderishFacebook: MURDERISH Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/540494462961219/Twitter: @MurderishPod https://twitter.com/MurderishPodSend comments and inquiries to: [email protected] online store https://murderishpodcast.threadless.com/TeePublic online store http://tee.pub/lic/-c0zMWCpN-IFreshly | Go to freshly.com/Podcast for $25 off your first order!Sudio Sweden | Go to sudio.com and use promo code MURDERISH for 15% off!This episode was Edited, Mixed and Mastered by John Bukenas of Audio Editing Solutions www.audioeditingsolutions.com. Need a great audio editor? John B. is your guy!A BIG “thank you” to Michelle Kolacinski, for her help researching this story. Sources for this story: Court documents from Riverside Superior Court, Suzi Hammond (friend of Justin Hopper), Redlands Daily Facts, newspapers.com, The San Bernardino County Sun Newspaper, dadi.org, The Redlands Travel Guide. https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2015/12/31/family-of-justin-hopper-case-prosecutor-react-to-aaron-mercados-release/ https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2015/12/31/convicted-murderer-aaron-mercado-released-from-prison-in-october/https://www.newspapers.com/image/81309136/?terms=justin+hopperhttps://www.newspapers.com/image/81309187/?terms=justin+hopperhttps://www.newspapers.com/image/81316777/?terms=justin+hopperhttps://www.newspapers.com/image/184509222/?terms=justin+hoppehttps://www.newspapers.com/image/96127634/?terms=justin+hopperhttps://www.newspapers.com/image/81316736/?terms=justin+hopper

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices