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.

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"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.