Body Found,
Possibly Danielle van Dam

DEHESA, CA - Authorities say a body discovered Wednesday in the Dehesa area is possibly that of Danielle van Dam. Volunteer searchers made discovery around 2:20pm. The body was found in some trees, about twenty-five feet off of Dehesa Road. According to San Diego District Attorney Paul Pfingst, a necklace and an earring that appeared to be Danielle's were also found.
Warrants Made Public

SAN DIEGO, CA - Search warrants allowing investigators to collect evidence from David Westerfield, with respect to the disappearance of Danielle van Dam, were made public Wednesday. The seven warrants allowed detectives to collect items that could indicate contact with Danielle and or involvement in child pornography.
Body Found,
Confirmed to be Danielle van Dam

DEHESA, CA - Authorities confirmed that the body found Wednesday near Dehesa Road is that of seven year Danielle van Dam. Volunteer searchers made discovery around 2:20pm.
Statement by Brenda & Damon van Dam

“With today's confirmation that our beloved Danielle will never again be physically present in our lives, we are experiencing the depths of sadness, loss and grief which only parents who have lost children under similar circumstances can fully comprehend.

These emotions are being tempered by an overwhelming sense of gratitude and closure. There is not a more anxious feeling for parents than to not know where our children are. While the past seven years we've had the peace and confidence of always knowing where Danielle was and that she was safe, someone took that away from us almost four weeks ago. But now 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. Even though the final outcome is horrible, we could not have imagined the rest of our lives without this closure.

Love has conquered evil in our community. This is Danielle's legacy and we couldn't be more proud. As we were praying this morning with the incredible volunteer searchers who actually found our daughter, our personal prayer was that God would share our little angel with everyone who helped to find her.

Thousands of people have stepped forward in extraordinary ways since Danielle was abducted. The entire search effort was started by the Laura Recovery Center Foundation and later carried out by our local organization, the Danielle Search Center. More than 2,500 people generously donated their time and energy to the search, and countless more helped behind the scenes.

We also want to thank the San Diego Police Department for the thorough and caring approach they have given to Danielle's abduction and murder. They are among the finest individuals we've ever known.

Danielle was a very special, beautiful, loving little girl. We miss her desperately but find comfort in knowing that she is now safe again and at peace. For Danielle, our family, friends and neighbors, we thank you for unifying us into such a giving community. We will be forever grateful to all of you."

Memorial for Danielle

SAN DIEGO, CA - (3-3-02) People continue to visit and pay tribute at the site were seven year old Danielle van Dam's body was found. Balloons and flowers cover the ground near the oak tree. The memorial reflects the feelings of millions touched by a very special little girl.

complete story
Affidavits to Remain Sealed

SAN DIEGO, CA - (3-5-02) The affidavits used to attain search warrants against David Westerfield were ordered to be released Monday, then just as fast, ordered to remain sealed pending an appeal of the first order.
Inappropriate Action

SAN DIEGO, CA - (3-8-02) According to David Cohen, a spokesperson for the San Diego Police Department, two detectives went to the County Jail and attempted to interview the suspect in the Danielle van Dam Murder case without first speaking with his legal council. Cohen said he does not believe the detectives actually talked with David Westerfield, but he acknowledged that the action was inappropriate and also said that the department is dealing with it internally.
Gag Order
SAN DIEGO, CA - (3-10-02) A judge decided Friday to issue a gag order in the Danielle van Dam murder case. Attorneys, witnesses and officials are prohibited from discussing the case with anyone. The order is the result of a request filed by Westerfield's attorney.
Westerfield in Court

SAN DIEGO, CA - The preliminary hearing in the case against David Westerfield began Monday. Mr. Westerfield is charged with kidnapping and killing seven year old Danielle van Dam February 2nd of this year.
Much information was revealed during the hearing. First, it was suggested that Danielle's father may have vacuumed an area of the house before investigators had an opportunity to collect potential evidence. Second, Mr. Westerfield had scratches on his arm (photos at bottom) that he claimed were injuries suffered while trying to dig out his motorhome that became stuck in the sand. Another interesting piece of information that came out is that the lead investigator, SDPD Lieutenant Jim Collins, stated that he was not aware of blood evidence that was collected from the van Dam home. The hearing is scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

Westerfield in Court, Day 2

SAN DIEGO, CA - The second day of the preliminary hearing in the case against David Westerfield continued Tuesday. Mr. Westerfield is charged with kidnapping and killing seven year old Danielle van Dam February 2nd of this year. At Tuesday's proceedings the prosecution introduced more evidence suggesting Mr. Westerfield is the possible perpetrator in Danielle's death. SDPD experts testified that Danielle's blood and fingerprints (photo above right) were found inside Westerfield's motorhome (photo above left). They also testified that Danielle's blood was found on an article of his clothing. The preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue on Thursday.
Brenda and Damon van Dam Testify

SAN DIEGO, CA - Brenda van Dan was called to testify Thursday in the preliminary hearing of David Westerfield. David Westerfield is charged with kidnapping and killing seven year old Danielle van Dam February 2nd of this year.

UPDATE: Damon van Dam was also called to testify. Both parents admitted smoking marijuana the night before Danielle disappeared but denied inviting Mr. Westerfield into their home.
Westerfield to Stand Trial

SAN DIEGO, CA - A San Diego judge ordered David Westerfield to stand trial for kidnapping and murdering Danielle van Dam. Westerfield's arraignment is scheduled for March 28th at 2pm.
Memorial Service for Danielle

SAN DIEGO, CA - Hundreds gathered in La Jolla Saturday to pay tribute to Danielle van Dam. Danielle was kidnapped from her Sabre Springs home February 2nd and found murdered three weeks later.
Westerfield Arraignment

SAN DIEGO, CA. - David Westerfield (file photo right) will be arraigned in a San Diego court Thursday. A judge ordered Westerfield to stand trial after a preliminary hearing earlier this month. Two issues are likely to be addressed. First, defense attorneys could request a change of venue, and secondly, whether or not the persecutor will seek the death penalty.
SAN DIEGO, CA. - At his arraignment Thursday, David Westerfield again pleaded not guilty to all charges. He also requested a speedy trial. The judge set a trial date of May 17th, 2002. No other changes were discussed.
Westerfield Alleges Abuse,
Evidence Could Be Jeopardized
SAN DIEGO, CA. - In a motion filed by his attorneys, David Westerfield (file photo right), the man accused of kidnapping and killing seven year old Danielle van Dam, alleges his constitutional rights were violated. According to the documents, recorded interviews with investigators reveal that Westerfield requested an attorney as many as twenty-two times, was denied access to a phone, not allowed to shower and denied the ability to leave. At his preliminary hearing, officers testified that these interviews were voluntary and Mr. Westerfield was free to come and go. The motion requests information pertaining to the investigators background. If a court finds that Mr. Westerfield's civil rights were violated, certain evidence may not be allowed at trial.
Trial to be Televised
SAN DIEGO, CA - In a decision announced Thursday by San Diego Superior Judge William Mudd, television cameras will be allowed inside the court room for the trial of accused killer David Westerfield. Cameras will not, however, be allowed at the pretrial hearings. According to Judge Mudd, cameras at the pretrial hearings could taint the jury pool and jeopardize Mr. Westerfield's right to a fair trial. David Westerfield faces charges he kidnapped and killed seven year old Danielle van Dam in February of this year. The trial is scheduled to begin May 17th.
Death Penalty Sought in Westerield Case
SAN DIEGO, CA - Prosecutors announced Thursday that they will seek the death penalty in the case against David Westerfield. Westerfield is charged with kidnapping and killing seven year old Danielle van Dam in February of this year. Trial is scheduled to begin May 17th.
Westerfield Trial Starts
SAN DIEGO, CA - The judge in the David Westerfield murder trial announced restrictions Wednesday on evidence that can be presented during the trial. Some pornography reportedly recovered from Mr. Westerfield's computer will be allowed. Some questions regarding the van Dam lifestyle will be heard. Statements made by Mr. Westerfield during interviews with police will be allowed. And, there will not be a separate trial for the pornography charge. Jury selection began Friday (2-17-02).
SAN DIEGO, CA - Jurors have been selected in the trial against David Westerfield. Westerfield is charged with kidnapping and murdering seven year old Danielle van Dam earlier this year. Jurors have been identified as six men and six women. Trial is expected to begin Tuesday.
copyright 2001 primenews.com All rights reserved. 
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent