Autopsy Confirms Body Found Is Danielle's
Dental Records Make Positive Identification
POSTED: 3:35 pm PST February 28,
2002
UPDATED: 5:26 am PST March 1,
2002
SAN DIEGO -- San Diego District Attorney Paul Pfingst confirmed Thursday that the body of a young girl found dumped off a road near El Cajon is that of 7-year-old Danielle van Dam.
"Today, I'm here to tell you that I have spoken with the medical examiner, Dr. Brian Blackbourne," Pfingst said. "Dr. Blackbourne reports that he has confirmed that the body of a little girl discovered yesterday is, in fact, the body of Danielle van Dam." Pfingst said the body was brought from near Dehesa overnight and the autopsy was begun about 10 a.m. Thursday. He said that due to the decomposition a forensic business was brought in to assist in the identification process. "Based upon the comparison of dental records, the identification of Danielle van Dam was made certain," Pfingst said. But he said Blackbourne said that the cause of death has not been determined, due to the decomposition of the body. Pfingst said Police Chief David Bejarano had notified Brenda and Damon van Dam of the medical examiner's findings.
He also said it is a difficult time for them and for the entire city of San Diego.Danielle's body was found by a volunteer search team looking for the looking girl Wednesday afternoon.The discomposed body was behind some heavy foliage, near a trail and scattered rocks off the north side of Dehesa Road, just east of Willow Glen Drive. A neighbor who lived two doors away has been charged with her murder, and if convicted of all the charges against him could face the death penalty.
 DANIELLE VAN DAM SEND FLOWERS Send flowers to: Community Bible Church 9919 Carroll Center Road San Diego, 92126 DISCUSSION |
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He also said it is a difficult time for them and for the entire city of San Diego.Danielle's body was found by a volunteer search team looking for the looking girl Wednesday afternoon.The discomposed body was behind some heavy foliage, near a trail and scattered rocks off the north side of Dehesa Road, just east of Willow Glen Drive. A neighbor who lived two doors away has been charged with her murder, and if convicted of all the charges against him could face the death penalty. Previous Stories:
- February 27, 2002: Search Warrants Show Police Sought Child Porn
- February 27, 2002: Danielle's Parents Respond To Neighbor's Arraignment
- February 26, 2002: Trial Set For Accused South Bay Boys' Killer
- February 26, 2002: Westerfield To Be Charged With Murder
- February 25, 2002: Danielle's Blood Found On Neighbor's Clothing
- February 21, 2002: Search For Danielle Extends To Mexico
- February 21, 2002: Marines Assist In Search For Danielle
- February 20, 2002: Governor Shows His Support For Van Dam Family
- February 20, 2002: Police Use Old Murder For Clues In Van Dam Case
- February 20, 2002: Crime Lab Personnel Return To Van Dam Home
- February 18, 2002: Search Continues For Danielle van Dam
- February 15, 2002: Police: Break In Missing Girl Case Expected
- February 14, 2002: Police Search Neighbor's House Again
- February 13, 2002: Marc Klaas Lends Support To Van Dam Family
- February 13, 2002: Reward For Danielle Reaches $185,000
- February 13, 2002: 'Better Trained' Dog Joins Danielle Search
- February 12, 2002: Rewards Grow In Search Of Missing Girl
- February 11, 2002: Missing Girl's Family Offers $25,000 Reward
- February 8, 2002: Police: Westerfield Had Child Porn
- February 8, 2002: Investigation Operations Base Leaves North County
- February 8, 2002: Search For Danielle Goes Nationwide
- February 7, 2002: Parents Plead For Help Finding Missing Daughter
- February 5, 2002: Police Question Neighbor In Missing Girl Case
- February 4, 2002: Parents Plead For Daughter's Safe Return
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