DA Believes Body Found IS That Of Danielle van Dam: 6:30 P.M. News Conference

NBC KNSD 7/39 San Diego ^ | February 27, 2002 7:00 P.M. | NBC KNSD 7/39 San Diego

[FresnoDA]

San Diego County District Attorney Paul Pfingst confirming that the body found in the desert may be that of Danielle van Dam

DA believes body found is that of Danielle van Dam by NBC 7/39 News Staff

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27 –    District Attorney Paul Pfingst and Chief of Police David Bejarano held a news conference at 6:30 p.m. in the DA's conference room of the Hall of Justice, where they mentioned that some items on the body found match those described to be worn by Danielle van Dam.

San Diego County District Attorney Paul Pfingst says the body discovered is that of a 3- to 4-foot young girl with blonde hair.She was found on her back.

The child was also wearing a plastic necklace, similar to the one Danielle is seen wearing in thousands of "missing girl" flyers posted since her disappearance more than three weeks ago.

She was also wearing an earring that matched one of those investigators believe Danielle was wearing when she was last seen at her family's Sabre Springs' home.

Pfingst said despite earlier reports, the body does not appear to have been burned.

Authorities say it could take several days for to positively identify the body using DNA evidence.

[Cold Heat]

We will know more if and when the parents are arrested.IMHO

[FresnoDA]

[lsee]

but something tells me this guy did NOT do this..

You'll have to explain your reasoning. Certainly we don't have all the evidence, but the evidence we do have incriminates the jailed man like a pointing finger. If he didn't do it, who do you suggest as an alternative suspect?

[willyone]

Why are you so stuid? How do you know anything about the parents? You low class butt wipe.

[Cold Heat]

The girl was not found in the search area. This indicates to me that he may have told them the location. I am still waiting for something else to break. Seems like there is more.

[FresnoDA]

I swear I am going to get flamed for this...but something tells me this guy did NOT do this. I don't know why but something just tells me there is a ton more about this

No flames, the circumstantial evidence against Westerfield is growing, but there may be some dynamics between DW and Brenda and Damon which has not yet become public.  Could it be that these "dynamics" are what caused Westerfield to fall under suspicion from the get go?  Maybe.  I agree with you that there is only a small amount of information yet in the public eye.

[My Favorite Headache]

My friend I think you are right.This guy lets the cops search his house and RV etc...acts like he has nothing to hide and is still pleading not guilty even with blood. I know OJ could get away with it but this guy seems to be a mark for something here.

[My Favorite Headache]

Agreed....waiting for more info before making final decision here.

[FresnoDA]

The girl was not found in the search area. This indicates to me that he may have told them the location. I am still waiting for something else to break. Seems like there is more.

I don't think Westerfield spilled the information.  The body was found by a couple of van Dam Search Team volunteers.  If the body had been referenced by SDLE.  They would have descended on the area, well before the press arrived.  The volunteers called Sheriffs around 2:00 P.M.  Only then did SDLE beat a trail to the area.  So that would imply that Westerfield gave up noting.  IMHO.

FresnoDA

[Registered]

Want me to call in your re-fill for you? Or is there a nice lady there with a little white hat on that can help you?

[BunnySlippers]

Thanks, Fresno. How sad ... now let's hang the b*stard!

[My Favorite Headache]

To be honest...I think the parents or their ring of swinging friends might be a guilty party here in part.Something very Susan Smithish about Mrs.Van Dam

[Unknown Freeper]

Thank your for your reply, Wire. My point was not necessarily "how" burns might possibly have been caused. I know about the possibilities. Even acid would have been considered a burn. My question was more because of the inconsistency in the reports. Initially, it was reported that she was burned. Then, this report said no burns. I was questioning the change in that observation by those who had found her or by those who reported on the condition of her body.

[merry10]

Where's your proof that they're swingers?

[spunkets]

When I was a kid, pics of creeps like this would always show trauma from falling down a flight of stairs. I think the safety codes have gone too far.

[janette]

was she sleeping in those clothes she wore the day before? Did she had time to put the same clothes on when she was taken? Wy was she going by free will with this guy?

[Cold Heat]

What we know is that he is implicated. My first thoughts on this when it happened is that there was some sort of party and party means multiple people. I await more to come.

[merry10]

MrsLiberty is about 10 miles from the place. I'm three hours. Plenty of posters pretty close to San Diego. Get over yourself.

[Cold Heat]

Thanks, I had not seen that bit of info.