Eva Petersen, aged 72, was tragically murdered on April 23, 1991, in Burlingame, California. Her death was part of a brutal crime spree committed by Phillip Carl Jablonski, a convicted serial killer. Jablonski, who had a history of violence against women, was released from prison in 1990 after serving time for the murder of his previous wife. Upon his release, he resumed his violent behavior, culminating in the murders of his wife, Carol Spadoni, and her mother, Eva Petersen.
On the day of the murders, Jablonski went to the home of his wife, Carol Spadoni, who lived with her mother, Eva Petersen. He first shot and killed Spadoni, then turned his attention to Petersen. Jablonski sexually assaulted Petersen before fatally shooting her. The crime scene was discovered a few days later when a concerned friend contacted the police. Among the evidence found was a tape recording in Jablonski's car, where he detailed the murders and his assault on Petersen.
Jablonski's arrest and subsequent trial revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior. He had placed personal ads in newspapers to attract women, and his relationship with Spadoni began while he was still in prison. Despite Spadoni's growing fear of him, Jablonski was released on parole and continued his violent acts. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence of Jablonski's long history of assaults and rapes, dating back to his first marriage in 1968. The jury found him legally sane at the time of the murders and recommended the death penalty.
The California Supreme Court upheld Jablonski's conviction and death sentence, rejecting his appeals. Jablonski's case highlighted significant issues within the parole system, as he was able to commit further crimes despite his violent past. His death sentence was a result of the heinous nature of his crimes and the overwhelming evidence against him, including his own recorded confessions. Jablonski remained on death row until his death in 2019.
