The news of John Gardner's plea spread quickly throughout the community. Many said they felt relieved for the family, one woman in particular.
Linda Severino has been through a similar horror as Chelsea King’s and Amber Dubois’ family.
"She was murdered on a Monday," Severino recalled about her daughter.
13 years ago, her daughter was sexually assaulted and strangled. When Linda sees pictures of Chelsea and Amber she says she knows what their parents are thinking.
"You always wonder what the last few minutes were like, no matter what you do, you always think about that," Severino said.
While the few details disclosed Friday about Chelsea and Amber’s final moments may have been difficult to hear, the Kings and Dubois’ will not have to sit through a trial -- an experience Severino does not wish on anyone.
"Pictures were awful. Details were awful," she recalled. "Everyday you got to trial and you sit there and you can't not be there. You have to be there. You're representing your child."
Her advise to the Kings and Dubois: Try not to think about how these young, innocent girls died. But rather, how they lived
She says Friday’s events are a good first step.
"I think it will be comforting,” Severino said. “Questions are still out there, but you won't see the graphic pictures, details. They won't have that."
Chelsea King's father said Friday that by not sitting through a trial, they can focus their energy on their son and on changing laws to make sure this doesn't happen again.
