Disquieting Disclosures: The Unbearable Sadness of the Danielle Van Dam Story

The American Partisan ^ | 15 March, 2002 | Jennifer King

[The Right Stuff]

Disquieting Disclosures -
The Unbearable Sadness of the Danielle Van Dam Story
by Jennifer King, Senior Editor

March 15, 2002

"The Heretical Housewife"

There should be no quarter given to those who abuse and defile the trust placed in them by an innocent child. Child molesters are heinous creatures, destroyers of the future who themselves deserve to be dispatched in the most hideous way possible. Whoever murdered Danielle Van Dam (right), whoever dumped her soft little body into dirty scrub brush by the side of the road to be mauled and desecrated by the fangs of wild animals, deserves to die an equally painful and inglorious death. And, Danielle’s parents, Damon and Brenda Van Dam, deserve our heartfelt sympathy for the disastrous loss of their little girl in such a horrid manner.

However, disquieting revelations have been floating around this case since Danielle disappeared on February 1st, 2002. First disclosed by radio talk-show host Rick Roberts, these rumors have been linked to an unnamed San Diego Law Enforcement Officer (LEO). The rumors alleged that the Van Dam’s were “swingers”, who had a special room set up in their garage - with inside locks - where eager participants had orgies replete with heavy drinking and pot smoking.

The Van Dam’s, on their appearances on Larry King Live and America’s Most Wanted, seemed evasive, dodging questions about their personal lifestyle. They also almost immediately hired a PR firm, whose spokesman likewise deflected this line of questioning without denying it outright.

Thursday, in court hearings, both Brenda and Damon Van Dam seemed to verify some of these allegations. At the very least, the Van Dam behavior and home life can be said to have been highly unusual.

Brenda Van Dam (left) gave some staggering testimony. Among the stunners were the revelation that she had left 7-year old Danielle alone, trying on clothes, in Mervyn’s, while she hunted down her 5 and 10-year old sons who were “at other stores” in the same mall. Then, Brenda admitted that she had noticed her neighbor, David Westerfield (right), the accused killer, at a Poway bar, “Dad’s”, the previous Friday, January 25th. Van Dam, who was with two friends, Barbara and Denise, admitted under questioning, that the three women had been dancing together, suggestively, with Barbara even attempting to fondle Brenda’s breasts.

According to testimony, the following week, Brenda Van Dam, Danielle and her brother went over to Westerfield’s house in order to sell him some Girl Scout cookies. Westerfield asked Van Dam why she hadn’t introduced him to her friends, who, he allegedly said, “looked really fun“. She also testified that Westerfield had told her that he often had “adult BBQ’s”, at which, according to Van Dam, he said, “He would provide the salad, but everyone had to bring their own meat.“ Van Dam testified that she told Westerfield to meet her and her friends at "Dad’s" the following Friday, and she would then introduce him to her friends.

On February 1st, the day Danielle would disappear, the following events transpired, according to Van Dam’s testimony. Brenda returned with the kids at approximately 5:30, then went out to pick up pizza for dinner, leaving the children alone in the house. After dinner, her two girlfriends, Denise and Barbara, came over and stayed about 15 minutes. The three women each had a beer, then they and Brenda’s husband Damon, met in the garage, where they smoked part of a joint (marijuana cigarette).

At approximately 8:30 p.m., the three women went to “Dad’s” where they met up with Westerfield. Westerfield bought them all drinks (Brenda testified that she had three cranberry-vodkas, one shot of tequila and one Red Bull). Westerfield says he danced with Van Dam, she initially denied it, but testified under oath that she “couldn’t recall.” She did admit to “slow dancing” with an older man, and testified that Denise and Barbara were “sexual dancing” with each other and with other women in the bar.

Van Dam also testified that the girlfriends met up with two men named “Rich and Keith.” Rich was alleged to be the pot connection, in later testimony given by Damon Van Dam. Supposedly, Keith was very interested in Barbara, and confided to Brenda that he had “popped a “V”, apparently referring to a Viagra pill. He allegedly asked Brenda to facilitate a tryst between the two.

At 2:00 a.m., when closing time was announced, the three women got in Brenda’s truck (allegedly taking hits from the same joint they had smoked earlier) and the two men drove in another vehicle to the Van Dam home. Damon, who was allegedly asleep in his underwear in his own bed, was awakened by Barbara, who climbed on top of the bed. Damon admits to “kissing” Barbara, and “rubbing her back”.

Brenda Van Dam came upstairs about 15 minutes later, informed the couple that they were being “rude” and that they should join the rest of the ensemble downstairs. Yet, after pizza, the remaining guests allegedly left. The Van Dam’s assert that they went to bed at approximately 2:30 a.m. They did not consider checking on their children then, and did not realize that Danielle was missing until approximately 9:30 a.m. the next morning.

Danielle’s naked and decomposed body was found by volunteer searchers on February 27th.

Whether her parent’s lifestyle had anything to do with her death is debatable. Surely, the Van Dams love their children, aged 10, 7 (Danielle) and 5. Yet the Van Dams appear to have engaged in a lot of activities which could be directly and indirectly injurious to their family. There aren’t too many families, for example, where the mother leaves her young children alone while she runs out to pick up dinner. There aren’t too many devoted mothers who routinely spend Friday nights dirty-dancing at the local bar. Wise parents who exercise sound oversight do not partake in the heavy drinking and pot smoking which appear to have occurred on a regular basis in the Van Dam household.

And, most parents simply do not invite a group of drunken, pot-addled barflys over to their home at 2 o’clock in the morning, while their innocent children sleep only a few rooms away. One wonders whether either Damon or Brenda’s “friend” Barbara, ever considered what the children would think should they awaken and find their father with a woman who wasn‘t their mother rolling around on their parent’s bed.

Many dark theories abound as to what might actually have transpired between the Van Dams and David Westerfield. According to the defense attorney, witnesses have offered to come forward to testify that, not only DID Brenda Van Dam dance with Westerfield, but she did so exclusively and in a suggestive manner. Nevertheless, Westerfield may indeed be solely responsible for the murder of Danielle, and if he is found guilty than he should fry.

However, the Van Dam’s do appear to have fostered, at the very minimum, a home environment where the least suitable people would often be around their most precious assets. Their little girl, unfortunately, was the one who paid the price. ***

© 2002 Jennifer King

COPYRIGHT © 2002 BY THE AMERICAN PARTISAN. All writers retain rights to their work.

[Freedom2specul8]

It's pretty easy to hide that from naive unsuspecting kids who are in bed asleep. Paraphenalia can be hidden easily...I agree with the rest of yoru statement. I hope this whole thing has changed them...

[FresnoDA]

Some one being drug by their hair, kicking and screaming is NOT the same as a person saying, "There are things in my life which are embarrassing, but to squelch rumor an innuendo, I will address them now.....for the sake of my daughter!"

I just don't remember hearing anything like that kim......

FresnoDA

[FresnoDA]

Called you names??? I called you kimmie, and sometimes kim. You can call me Fresno, FresnoDA or DA...I answer to all of the above!!! Not a flame war darling, just spirited debate.....on guard!

[Freedom2specul8]

NO!!! They told John walsh they were ready...they were ready, willing and able. They may or may not of had a subpeona. Do you know? I was under the impression it is common practice for parents to take the stand and answer questiosn about their role in the day of abduction..

If the judge allows more to be revewaled later, so be it..but they don't have to reveal more than necessary.. G'nite for real now..

[Freedom2specul8]

LOL I'm NOT an apologist..find it's not a name it's an adjective. :0p

[Freedom2specul8]

find = fine

[is_is]

kim.....she hid more on the stand than she revealed....

[danmar]

...you know what, can anyone explain to me why this story is not news to me?

[FresnoDA]

Major ritual "sabbat" dates on the Occult/Witchcraft/Satanism calendar.

February 2, 2002    Danielle Van Dam, Age 7

September 28, 1974  Patricia Lee Kuzara, Age 7

DATE: October 31 NAME: *SAMHAIN; ALL HALLOWS' EVE; HALLOWEEN; NOVEMBER EVE WITCHCRAFT: Rituals to contact the dead SATANISTS: Sexual and blood rituals with animal or humans & animal or human sacrifice

DATE: December 21/22 NAME: YULE; WINTER SOLSTICE; WITCHCRAFT: Rituals celebrating the rebirth of the sun SATANISTS: Sexual rituals, animal or human

DATE: February 2 NAME: IMBOLIC; IMBOK; CANDLEMAS; OIMELE; LADY DAY; BRIGID DAY WITCHCRAFT: Sexual rituals; Celtic triple goddess Brigid honored. SATANISM: Sexual rituals, human

DATE: MARCH 20/21 NAME: Spring Equinox; Vernal Equinox WITCHCRAFT: This is a fertility sabbat. Pagans celebrate the coming of fertility of the earth; Sexual rituals celebrated by various groups. SATANISM: Orgies held; Animal or human sacrifices

DATE: April 30 NAME: *BELTANE; MAY EVE; ROODMAS DAY; WALPURGISNACHT WITCHCRAFT: Rituals focusing on the love between male & female. In fact, many pagan handcastings (weddings) take place at this sabbat. Rituals celebrating the fertility of the Mother Goddess (Earth) are carried out. SATANISTS: Blood rituals; Animal or human sacrifices

DATE: JUNE 21 NAME: SUMMER SOLSTICE; MIDSUMMER'S EVE; WITCHES: Bonfire rituals SATANISTS: Orgies; Animal or human sacrifices

DATE: AUGUST 1 NAME: LUGNASADH (Named for Celtic Solar god Lugh);LAMMAS DAY WITCHES: Harvest rituals SATANISTS: Animal or Human sacrifice

DATE: SEPTEMBER 21 to 23 (Date varies annually) NAME: AUTUMN EQUINOX WITCHES: Some covens have rituals reenacting Pluto or Hades (grim god of death) forcefully carrying of Persephone (young goddess of life) to the underworld. SATANISTS: Sexual orgies and or animal and human sacrifice.

[Amore]

Yep, she sounded great on AMW, we don't care what awful things people will say about us, we're ready for it, we just want justice for our daughter. Get her on the stand, it appears she cares very much what people say about them, because she sure isn't forthcoming about the events of that night. And that ticks me off. NOT because she is a swinger but because her attempts at deception may very well poison the jury's mind and lead to Westerfield's acquittal.

[ZDaphne]

Off topic, but YES. We need a spell checker Jim Rob! How about it?

[FresnoDA]

BUMP!!! Shortest post, with the most meat, thus far....IMO...FresnoDA

[FresnoDA]

 

Other murders in the San Diego area....
DATES ARE EERILY CONNECTED
Click on linked Dates for reference! Something to consider?

 Mary Lou Olson, 10, headed for a drugstore in National City on Jan. 3, 1960. She was found dead nine days later, 13 miles south of Tijuana.

When she didn't return to her home on E Avenue, her father called police. Intense searching ended when a farmer found her body in a gully. She had been raped and suffocated. Her killer was never found.

 Patricia Lee Kuzara, 7, of Putney Road in Poway, was walking home from her baby-sitter's house the evening of Sept. 28, 1974. Her body was found in a field off Midland Road the next day. The day after that, the 40-inch-long piece of iron used to bludgeon her was found near Community Road. Her killer was never found.

 Leticia Hernandez, 7, disappeared while playing in front of her home on Bush Street in Oceanside on Dec. 16, 1989.

A search expanded to dozens of officers and 200 volunteers. The FBI checked hundreds of reported sightings of Leticia all the way to Florida.

It ended March 9, 1991, when a ranch caretaker found Leticia's skull off county Highway S16, two miles south of the Riverside County line. She had been dead about a year. Suspicion centered on a man who lived near the Hernandez family, but no arrest was made after a grand jury investigation.

 Crystal Anzaldi, 14 months old, vanished from her parents' bedroom at their 30th Street apartment in Golden Hill the morning of Dec. 8, 1990. An extensive search yielded no clues.

Seven years later, Crystal turned up alive in Puerto Rico, being raised by Nilza Gierbolini. She claimed that a man who had shared the Anzaldi apartment gave her the toddler, but he was never charged with kidnapping. Crystal was returned to her then-divorced father.

 In June 1991, a man lured a 4-year-old girl by offering her a dollar bill in the front yard of her Escondido home. She was found later, alone and crying, by a couple who gave police a description of a car nearby. Police arrested Garry Burr, then 35, who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and sexually molesting the girl.

 Laura Arroyo, 9, of Monterey Pine Drive in Chula Vista ran to answer the door on the night of June 19, 1991. Her parents later saw the open door. They checked with neighbors, then called police. The next day, two women found Laura's body three miles from her home at a Bay Boulevard industrial park. She had been beaten and stabbed. Her killer has never been found.

 Rasheeyda Wilson, 9, told her mother she was going to play outside their downtown San Diego residence at the Yale Hotel on July 15, 1991. Six hours later, her mother called police to report the child missing. Officers scoured the area, passed out fliers and broadcast her name from a helicopter. Rasheeyda has never been found.

 Amanda Gaeke, 9, never came home after riding her bike near her home on Landis Street in North Park on Oct. 3, 1991. Police searching door to door were not suspicious when David Allan Webb, 16, said he knew Amanda.

Her body was found 11 days later in a canyon five blocks from her home.

In May 1996, police acting on a tip arrested Webb, then 21. He had lured Amanda into his home, drugged her, raped her and hid her under his bed while he went to school. After 36 hours he strangled her, then dumped her body. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Satanic Ritual Days

• Fixed Ritual Days
  • Jan. 01 No name (SA)
  • Jan. 07 St. Winebald Day (DA, SA, EE)
  • Jan. 13 Satanic New Year (S1; Note 1)
  • Jan. 17 Satanic Revels (DA, SA, EE)
  • Feb. 01 Olmelc (S2)
  • Feb. 02 Candlemas, Satanic Revels (HS, DA (Note 2),SA, EE)
  • Feb. 25 St. Walpurgis Day (DA, SA, EE)
  • Mar. 01 St. Eichatadt (DA, EE)
  • Mar. 20 Equinox Feast Day (DA, EE)
  • Mar. 21 Spring Equinox (S2, DA, SA)
  • Apr. 21 to 26 Preparation for the Sacrifice (DA)
  • Apr. 21 to 29 Preparation time for sacrifice (SA)
  • Apr. 26 Grand Climax (EE)
  • Apr. 30 Beltane (NA, SS, SA, DA)
  • Apr. 30 Walpurgisnacht (SS, S2, NS)
  • Apr. 30 Solstice (UH, TH; Note 3)
  • May 01 Grand Climax (DA; Note 2)
  • May 01 Initiation Night (AS)
  • May 01 Beltane fertility festival (S2)
  • Jun. 20 No name (SA)
  • Jun. 21 Feast Day (DA)
  • Jun. 22 Solstice 1, Summer Solstice (NA, UH, S2, DA, EE)
  • Jun. 23 No name (SA)
  • Jul. 01 Demon Revels (DA, SA, EE)
  • Jul. 25 No name (SA)
  • Jul. 26 No name (SA)
  • Jul. 31 Lammas (HS)
  • Aug. 01 Lammas (SA, DA)
  • Aug. 01 Festival of First Fruits (S2)
  • Aug. 03 Satanic Revels (DA; Note 2, SA, EE)
  • Aug. 24 No name (SA)
  • Sep. 07 Marriage to Beast Satan (DA, SA, RR)
  • Sep. 19 No name (LL)
  • Sep. 20 Midnight Host (DA, SA, EE)
  • Sep. 20 to 23 Autumn Equinox (NS)
  • Sep. 21 Autumn Equinox (DA)
  • Sep. 22 Equinox Feast Day (DA, SA, EE)
  • Sep. 23 Fall Equinox (S2)
  • Oct. 13 Continuous High Holiday (SA; Note 4)
  • Oct. 29 All Hallows Eve (DA, SA; Note 5)
  • Oct. 31 Halloween (NA, SS, HS, HC, SA, S1, S2,DA)
  • Nov. 01 Halloween (EE)
  • Nov. 04 Satanic Revels (DA, EE)
  • Dec. 21 No name (SA)
  • Dec. 22 Solstice 2, Winter Solstice (NA, UH, S2, DA)
  • Dec. 22 Solstice Feast Day (DA, EE)
  • Dec. 24 Demon Revels (DA, SA)
  • Dec. 24 Grand High Climax (EE)
  • Dec. 25 Christmas (HC, MR, NS)

[FresnoDA]

I know, crazy concept...I will flame myself, kind of like starting a "Control Burn".....LOL Bad...Bad....Bad....

[dread78645]

also I find it not implausible that those engaged in the aforementioned kinky acts might not engage their unwilling daughter

Uhmm, a triple negative (so rare). Could you please de-toxify this phrase ?
I'm not sure of your point.

[Long Cut]

The ironic thing is, they probably thought their "lifestyle" had no negative consequences for their children. So sad, for the kids.

Why do kids always have to pay the tab for Messed-Up-Like-Hogan's-Goat parents? I'm not claiming to be anywhere near sainthood myself, but the VD's would gag a maggot!

[gg188]

Those are some very interesting theories and ideas.

[kickme]

Hey Dude, as this story continues to unfold, I'm ready for just about anything to pop up including some satanic junk. The first article I read about Mom at a bar with friends, Dad at home, and that Westerfield had been at the bar, too, I knew there was more than one rat in this sad, sad story.

[BlackVeil]

As you say, truth IS often stranger than fiction. And its no use saying that such things only happen in murder mystery novels, when there is a poor child lying dead in reality. Your suggestion about cults etc. is worthy of some thought, because such events really have taken place. Debbie Cameron, an academic who writes on the history of crime, wrote an article about the Fred and Rose West case in England. She has researched this topic very thoroughly. And she said that anyone who knows how sex abuse rings operate cannot rule out their role in certain cases of serial killing and child sex abuse. This may be another such case. Maybe not, of course, but I do hope that the matter is fully investigated.