Posted on 03/01/2002 4:04:47 PM PST by FresnoDA
Mourners gather at site where Danielle's body was found
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By Seth Hettena ASSOCIATED PRESS March 1, 2002
"The memory of her soul compelled me to come down here and say a last goodbye," Davis said Friday, cradling her 7-month-old daughter and wiping away tears. "To actually see the place where her innocent sweetness was lying under a tree." Davis, 26, added white flowers to a growing memorial of messages, bouquets, a pink teddy bear and a stuffed blue bunny that marks the place where authorities believe a neighbor dumped Danielle's body weeks ago. Dental records confirmed Thursday that remains found by a rural roadside 25 miles east of San Diego were those of the little girl, who vanished from her bedroom Feb. 2. The cause of death could not immediately be determined and may never be because of the body's state of decomposition, said Police Chief David Bejarano. Further tests were under way. Danielle's parents, Brenda and Damon van Dam, said the unflagging efforts of more than 2,500 volunteers who searched a vast area stretching from the ocean to the desert left them with "an overwhelming sense of gratitude and closure." "With love for an innocent child and for one another, the community has brought her back to us, and for that gift we offer our most sincere and heartfelt thanks," the van Dams said in a statement. "Even though the final outcome is horrible, we could not have imagined the rest of our lives without this closure." A memorial service is expected later this month. A neighbor, David Westerfield, 50, was charged Tuesday with murder, kidnapping and possession of child pornography. He has pleaded innocent and is being held without bond. Authorities said they found traces of Danielle's blood in Westerfield's motor home and on an article of his clothing. The self-employed engineer spent the weekend of Danielle's disappearance traveling in his motor home, stopping in the desert east of the city, authorities said. A hunch led volunteers to the area the remote road was one Westerfield might have taken the weekend Danielle disappeared, said Bill Garcia, a private detective who coordinated searches. Nearby residents said they were unsettled by the discovery of Danielle's body so close to home. "It kind of sickens us," said Charles O'Neill, 28, who lives about a mile away. "We've been driving by this road every day for the past month and knowing she's that close is something we never would have imagined." |
For instance, you asked me if I felt Mrs. VD was like a well-known serial killer, when what I said was that she lacked emotion. The attempt to put words in my mouth in comparing Mrs. VD to a serial killer was transparent, but I give you E for effort.
The fact that some of us do not like what the ever-changing stories indicate about the VDs seems to bother you. Time is going to tell the tale, however, and I trust my own instincts on this one--and those of several other very good Freeper researchers.
Your work on your web page is commendable, but it's work many of us have already done on a day to day basis following this case. And so far, the facts gleaned from your work seem not to have assisted you in seeing the obvious. Bias often brings that about.
Right now, I would venture to guess that pitbull attorney is THRILLED at all the negative publicity the poor parents are receiving..or have received. He'll try to bring it up in court..that's a given. I think it was a terrible distraction from the investigation. Maybe sometime in the future the issue will be addressed.(even though Brenda did say it was hurtful rumors..that wasn't enough for ricky)
Yes, the news accounts on that webpage are difficult to hold up against Ricky Roberts version of what happened. I agree. I'm not going to argue against speculation, innuendos, gossip and rumors. How does one do that?
Are you talking about the possible connection between RR and the Pitull? I told ya'll yesterday when I brought this little bit of info up that I can create conspiracies or shed doubts too. :) At least I don't deny that it's a conspiracy theory. I have to leave after all...as of right now, I don't know where the the door is in the room.. CYA
That's no fun. But if you really don't want to (like I'm doing now on this case), then you just read about it and wait till more details come out.
Quote from Brenda "Nothing would get in between me checking on my children. It's a rumor. I don't know why people would want to be hurtful."
Examine the statement. "NOTHING would get in between me checking on my children." So what does the word Nothing mean. Does it mean that even if she was engaged in her reindeer games, she would still check on her children, and that it is a "rumor" she didn't check on her kids (while engaging in "nothing"?) Read it the right way!
Put on your flame retardent outfit, Kimmie...I changed my mind about not coming back at you....developing.
sw
What do you mean "nice try"? You don't think that these people are hurt by their daughter's murder?
I think that the one lacking human traits here is you.
God help you.
CLICK ME
The well-rehearsed face of grief
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