Crime & Safety

Hundreds' Rally for Kidnapped Girl, Suspect's Car Spotted in OC

Written by Jennifer Vigil and Eric Yates

The car of suspected murder/kidnapper James DiMaggio has been spotted in Orange County, according to CBS 8

The news site reports that an automatic license reader spotted the plate on a blue Nissan Versa registered to DiMaggio, which was traveling northbound on SR-57 near Santa Ana, just after 2 p.m. on Tuesday. 

It is the vehicle that was broadcast in the statewide Amber Alert sent out on Monday. 

DiMaggio is being sought in connection with the death of Christina Anderson, whose body was found in DiMaggio's burned down house in Boulevard. The body of a boy was also found in the home. Members of the Anderson family believe it to be that of Christina's son, Ethan, 8. 

DiMaggio is also wanted for the alleged kidnaping of Hannah Anderson, 16. Earlier Tuesday, the children's father, Brett Anderson, directed a statement toward DiMaggio: "Jim, I can't fathom what you were thinking but the damage is done ... Let my daughter go. You've taken everything else."

Hundreds of Hannah's loved ones, from neighbors to classmates and pastors to best friends, crowded into the parking lot of El Capitan High School late Tuesday to share prayers for her return.

Their faith was rewarded as night began to fall and word came of the license plate being spotted. While the news didn't lead to cheers – there was a palpable sense of mourning for her mother and little brother – others took some heart,  including Tina Anderson's aunt Jennifer Willis.

If DiMaggio drove on a road where his license plate could be recorded, they hope he is not sharp enough to be mastermind of a permanent escape with Hannah.

Brett Anderson also appeared at the rally, punctuated by speeches from Hannah's closest friends. One, Marissa Chavez, said she is still astounded she could be texting with Hannah one day “and then one day you find she doesn't text you back.”

Many in the crowd, like Marissa, 15, wore pink to honor Hannah or had specially made T shirts that read “Pray for Hannah.”

See also: Father of Missing Teen: 'Damage is Done ... Let My Daughter Go…

Aunt Pleads to Hannah Anderson's Abductor: ‘Get Her Home!’

Lakeside Woman Dead as Hopes Fade in Search for Boy, 8



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