“Justice 4 Mike” takes to the state capital

A convicted killer’s chance at freedom is now in the hands of the governor.

Since he was 18-years-old, David Weidert has been serving a life sentence, for the murder of this man, 20-year-old Mike Morganti, in 1980. Morganti lived in the Fresno area.  

There were tears at the steps of the state capitol. Thirty-five years of pain, built up for a developmentally disabled man, who was tortured, stabbed and buried alive when he was 20-years-old.  

"We’re all here Mike, I’m sorry we weren’t there that day," Vikki Van Duyne, the murder victim’s sister said.

They’re here with a message to the governor, a plea, to keep Mike’s convicted killer behind bars, a man named, David Weidert. He’s been in prison since he was 18.  In January, he was granted the possibility of parole, which means he could get released soon as long as the governor, doesn’t deny it.

"Governor Brown, you are the only person left who can deliver justice to this family and Michael," Henry Perea, a state assemblyman said.

Weidert is now 52, his dad lives in Chowchilla but he declined to talk on camera. However, he did say his son deserves freedom based on changes he’s seen. He says his son is a different person, he’s mature, he has a clean prison record, he’s a licensed master electrician and he’s ready to be a productive member of society.

Van Duyne begs to differ, she sat through all six of Weidert’s parole hearings and says he still lacks the ability to understand what he took away.

"He does not have a moral compass, he’s still very detached and non-emotional about the murder and what he did," she said.

Several state lawmakers, senators, assemblyman and the Fresno County District Attorney, Lisa Smittcamp agree. She says Weidert and an accomplice killed Morganti, to cover up a burglary and keep him from testifying in court.

Three and half decades later, Mike’s family is here to speak up and ask for support.