Denise Kemal (pictured, right), 28, says she was fired from her job with Southwest Airlines on June 28, two weeks after she took the stand in the trial of David Westerfield in San Diego. A spokeswoman for the Dallas-based airline says company policy states use of illegal drugs while off duty may result in termination.| Kemal laughs in court! Haaaa! Haaa!! Haaa!!! |
"I've always wanted to fly," she said. "It took me years to get my job."
A spokeswoman for the Dallas-based airline confirmed that Kemal had been fired, but declined to elaborate. She said that company policy states the "illegal use of drugs, narcotics or controlled substances off duty and off company premises is not acceptable and may result in termination."
Kemal said she felt obligated to testify against Westerfield.
"I want to make sure he gets convicted," she said. "Because of him, it's just ruined everyone's lives."
Supervisors at Southwest Airlines learned that she had smoked marijuana from customers who mailed in newspaper articles about her testimony, Kemal said.
Her testimony centered on two evenings she spent with Brenda van Dam and another women at Dad's Cafe and Steakhouse, a nightspot in Poway. One of those evenings was Feb. 1, the night that Danielle is believed to have been abducted from her home. Kemal testified that she smoked marijuana in the van Dams' garage before leaving to go to Dad's.
Westerfield could face the death penalty if he is convicted of kidnapping and murder. The trial is in recess until July 22 while the judge takes a previously scheduled vacation.