Chelsea King update: DNA led authorities to suspect John Gardner, according to report
On Tuesday, a body was found in a shallow grave near Lake Hodges, which is believed to be that of missing San Diego teen, Chelsea King. The 17-year-old went missing on Thursday after heading out for a jog, and over the weekend John Albert Gardner III was arrested in connection with her disappearance. According to a report, advances in DNA testing led to that arrest.
10 News in San Diego reports that sources indicate that DNA testing on underwear found near the lake that belong to Chelsea led police to sex offender Gardner.
To see photos regarding the Chelsea King case, click here.
The lab director of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s crime lab, Don Tapper, told the local news station “It’s not a matter of what can be done… It’s a matter of how many resources you have, how many personnel, pieces of equipment.”
The SDCD crime lab had only three employees less than a decade ago, but now employs 20 people. This means DNA results can be obtained in approximately 36 hours, rather than waiting weeks or even months for results.
Additionally, the crime lab also has a rapid response team to analyze DNA evidence from certain cases in an expedited manner, according to 10 News.
Gardner is a registered sex offender who lives in Lake Elsinore, Calif., but was visiting his mother in the San Diego area last week. The Los Angeles Times reports he served five years in prison for attacking a 13-year-old girl, and wore a tracking device until his parole ended in 2008.
Gardner is due in court on Wednesday for his arraignment in the case.
Comments
Chelsea's dad used to be my boss; the nicest guy around! No-parent should ever have to experience this in a lifetime. My heart weighs heavy and aches deeply for him and his family.
A convicted child molester/sex offender should serve out a life sentence - no plea bargains, no second chances, no shortened terms. By today's standards, John Gardner should have served 30 years for his prior molestation of a minor; instead yhe was sentenced to six years, but only served five of them! Had he served his term in full, Chelsea would still be alive today.
This guy needs to castrated and left to rot in hell for the rest of his days!
I'd say execute them.
There's never been a proven cure for a sex offender. They're like rabid dogs, one in the advance stages, there's no hope.
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