NASSAU BAY -- Reza Jou, whose daughter Donna disappeared from San Diego State University three years ago, has set out to change a California law he fears will allow the man convicted of her death out of prison too soon.
John Steven Burgess was sentenced to five years in prison last year for his confessed role in Donna Jou's death.
Under California law, Burgess could be released as early as next April for good behavior.
"Half of me is gone," said Jou, an engineer for the International Space Station. "I don't feel like a whole person."
Jou told 11News he was on a crusade to change the law in California and eventually every state in the country.
His daughter was last seen in 2007 at a party hosted by Burgess.
Burgess, a three-time convicted sex offender, admitted to drugging her and getting rid of her body.
"We almost fell from the chair when the District Attorney told us that [Burgess] killed your daughter. He said, "Yes, I killed her. And put her on a boat. And dumped her in the Pacific Ocean."
Searchers never found her.
With no body -- and other evidence to connect Burgess to Jou -- a California judged gave him the harshest punishment possible under state law for involuntary manslaughter.
It's a scenario prosecutors said could play out in Texas.
Jou has taken his fight to the California legislature and to members of Congress.
"I'm going to spend all my resourecs," he said. "Even if I have to sell the house. Everything that I have. Because I have to ... push for change."
Jou said increasing the maximum penalty for similar crimes could help spare other families his anguish.
