Photo credit: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
A woman claiming to be Jaycee Lee Dugard, who was kidnapped over 18 years ago, walked into a police station this morning identifying herself. Her mother has been able to speak to her on the phone, and is 99% certain that this is in fact Jaycee Lee. Her mother says that the woman remembers things, confirming to her that she is her missing daughter. Jaycee's mom, now a single mom after the separation from her step-father, and her 19-year old sister are on their way to meet Jaycee.
Jaycee Lee Dugard went missing when she was only 11 years old. Her stepfather heard her screams and witnessed her abduction from inside their home. Jaycee had been walking to the school bus when a car with a man and a woman inside pulled up, and forced Jaycee Lee into the car. Her stepfather chased after them on a bicycle, but they were able to escape and she was never seen again, until now.
Over the years there have been many theories and conspiracies surrounding what happened to Jaycee Lee. They've even thought Utah's Elizabeth Smart's kidnappers, Wanda Barzee and Brian David Mitchell, could have also kidnapped her. The two girls did have similar features, and the description of the woman seen by the stepfather resembled Barzee. Commentors on A&E's Community Center site suggest that she was sold into prostitution in Central America.
A press conference is scheduled for tonight at 6 pm ET (4 mountain time).
The suspected abductors, Phillip and Nancy Garrido, are currently being held on $1 Million bail each. Neighbors of the suspects say they would be shocked if they did have something to do with the kidnapping. One neighbor says she's lived next door for 10 years and knew nothing of a girl living with them.
For more information: The Case of Jaycee Lee Dugard
ABC News story: Jaycee Lee Dugard Found: Family Says Abducted 11-Year-Old located 18 Years Later
Utah PSA texting while driving
To subscribe to Salt Lake City Single Moms, click "subscribe" above.
Comments
I can see that is the girl 18 years ago. Her eyes, nose, chin, eye brow, and last but not least her upper front teeth. Don't need DNA to prove this.
I am happy that she came forward and reunite with her family. Put those kidnappers behind bar and make them suffer just like the parrents of this girl had been suffered for the past 18 years.
The photo on the right was made using age-progression software and is not a "real" photo.
They all walked into the police station - here and her two abductors. evidently just to ask a question not to turn themselves in.
I worry that one day I will have a daughter and somebody decides to do something this messed up to her because I will have no choice but to liquidate all my assets and then spend all my energy and money on putting them in a situation where they are in my sole custody in some remote shack in the woods where I have all the time in the world to unleash an ending to their lives so depraved that no one would dare put it into the history books.
This is so awesome that she was found. So sad what she went through.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!