Man Gets Death Penalty For Murder of Two Monterey Teens

A Central Coast family is still haunted by the cold-blooded torture and murder of a pair of Monterey County teens more than three decades ago. The serial killer behind the deplorable act is given a death sentence.

Joseph Michael Nissensohn was given that sentence, in El Dorado County. He was convicted in the brutal murder 13-year-old Tammy Jarschke and 14-year-old Tanya Jones in 1981. Plus, for a third cold case the murder of a lake Tahoe teen, in 1989. That’s just in California, he had victims across the country.

Pictures of 13-year-old Tammy Jarschke from 1981 may be fading, but the memories of her for her cousin Butch Jarschke are vivid.

“At the time we had a lot of fun all the cousins, you know with her,” said Butch.

Butch was a year older than Tammy at the time. Tammy along with her friend Jones ran away from a Seaside foster home in 1981. The two were last spotted with Joseph Nissensohn the day they disappeared.

“It was heartbreaking not knowing what happened to her,” said Butch.

For three months Butch said no one knew where Tammy was. Until both bodies were found decomposing on a ridge in the Carmel Valley. One body found tied to a tree with electrical wire.

“What they had done, was very hard to comprehend, how they did it, what they done to their bodies, everything,” said Butch.

Many years and three more murders later Nissensohn was arrested. But wasn’t convicted for Tammy and Tanya’s death until October of this year.

“Everyday thinking about it, just praying they catch him, praying they convict him for that and all the other ones,” he said.

Butch said it was hardest on Tammy’s father. Tammy was an only child.

“He can never be a Grandfather, he lost a lot and he feels that,” said Butch.

Nissensohn’s trial ended Wednesday with the death penalty. But for the Jarschke family and Butch who holds on to his cousin’s pictures dearly, a big “what if” will always exist.

“How wonderful of a person I could see her being now, very good person, good head on her shoulders, I could see her sweetness,” he said.

No word on when Nissensohn will be put to death. A Monterey County Sheriff’s detective is being commended for his work in holding Nissensohn accountable for the murder.