(08-12-2002) - Search warrant affidavits released today describe David Westerfield admitting to police that he dropped off bedding and other items at a Poway dry cleaners two days after Danielle van Dam disappeared.
The warrants and affidavits had been sealed since shortly after the 7-year-old's mother discovered her missing from her bed the morning of Feb. 2. Last week, the 4th District Court of Appeal ordered the documents unsealed.
In one affidavit, San Diego police Detective Terry Torgersen said Westerfield told detectives he submitted items for cleaning at Twin Peaks Cleaners the morning of Feb. 4.
A clerk told Torgersen that Westerfield had never appeared that early in the morning to drop off items. She also thought it was unusual that he asked for "special service," which she described as "same day service."
The clerk told the detective it was unusual that Westerfield was dressed in short pants, a shirt and no shoes on the cold morning.
According to the affidavit, Westerfield told the clerk he had just returned from the desert.
Among the items recovered from the dry cleaners were two comforters and pillowcases, a green jacket, a pair of black denim pants, a black sweater and a black T-shirt, according to the documents.
Forty-five items were listed as seized from Westerfield's home including: gas station receipts, a shopping list, laundry from the washer and dryer, VCR tapes and lubricant.
An affidavit for another search warrant indicates police set up a "trap" on Damon and Brenda van Dam's home phone number to try to trace any incoming calls.
These come as jurors deliberate the fate of Westerfield on a third day of deliberations. The six-man, six-woman jury was handed the case against the former Sabre Springs self-employed design engineer last Thursday.