Victim's Father Barred From San Diego Murder Trial Amid Concern He May Harm Defendant

AP via TBO.com ^ | 06-25-02 | By Ben Fox

[greydog]

SAN DIEGO (AP) - The father of slain 7-year-old Danielle van Dam has been barred from the trial of her alleged killer amid concern he might try to harm the defendant. Judge William Mudd ordered Damon van Dam out of the courtroom and told him to stay away from the third floor of the courthouse, officials said Tuesday.

Damon van Dam recently had asked detailed questions about how deputies transported defendant David Westerfield to and from trial, said sheriff's deputy C.K. McKenzie.

"That raises a bunch of red flags. It suggests he might try to do something," said McKenzie, one of several deputies on duty at the trial.

The judge spoke with Danielle's father Monday in a closed courtroom session, details of which were not released.

Damon van Dam and his wife, Brenda, have attended the trial since they finished testifying early in the proceedings. Brenda van Dam, who was not barred from the trial, would not comment, citing a gag order from the judge.

Westerfield, 50, is charged with kidnapping and murdering Danielle, whose nude body was found Feb. 27 along a rural road three weeks after she vanished from her bedroom. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutors have said they may finish presenting their case by the end of the week.

[greydog]

The father of slain 7-year-old Danielle van Dam has been barred from the trial of her alleged killer amid concern he might try to harm the defendant.

Really, It couldn't be.

[mad puppy]

I'd do the same thing. Make a lot of noise, gather a lot of attention so that my wife could sneak in and cut his throat.

[exnavy]

Never send a woman to do a mans job.

[EggsAckley]

I still don't believe that these parents are not somehow involved with or have information about her murder. Could it be that he might want to silence Westerfield?

NAW....

[EBUCK]

Poison dart. The size of a strand of hair and fired from a cuff mounted CO2 cartridge.

EBUCK

[Sword_of_Gideon]

That'd be good for that dirtbag. They should rather wait till he's sent to prison & make "friends" with some of the other guys on his cellblock. Eye for an Eye...

[hchutch]

I'd give van Dam fifteen minutes ALONE with Westerfield - no weapons allowed.

[greydog]

http://groups.msn.com/JFKFoota ge/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPho to&PhotoID=2

[EBUCK]

I heard that the "bubba" union has voted to take credit on services rendered.

EBUCK

[Pompah]

From what I see on the local TV, Damon doesn't look to be the type to engage in any rough stuff.
Besides he would have to get some kind of weapon past the security scanners in the Court House entrance.(Not an easy job)
Brenda looks tough enough to pull something off though.

[BunnySlippers]

Uh oh ... Wait the "He Wuz Framed" crowd sees this!