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Amber Alert Car Found In Idaho, Suspect And Kidnapping Victim Spotted
A car belonging to the murder suspect believed to have abducted a teenage girl from San Diego County has been found in Idaho and the two have been spotted camping in the area, ABC7 reports.
At a press conference today in San Diego, San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore said that although the car's license plate had been removed, they identified it by its VIN number as James Lee DiMaggio's. It was found about 6 miles from Cascade, Idaho.
A man and a teenager believed to be DiMaggio and 16-year-old Hannah Anderson were spotted by eyewitnesses camping in the Idaho wilderness 5 or 6 miles from where the car was found.
"They both appeared to be in good health," said Gore. He said they were unable to determine from the witnesses' account if Anderson was being held against her will. The witnesses had a "brief conversation," according to Gore.
"They were spotted twice, coming into the area and when they left," said Gore. "They had backpacks on and a tent, so they're obviously camping in that area."
He added, "We should all be optimistic that she appeared to be in good health and was alive on Wednesday. We hope law enforcement will find them in the mountains there and return them safely."
In light of these sightings, the Amber Alert has now been extended to Idaho.
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Investigators believe DiMaggio abducted Hannah on Monday night. Her mother was found dead at DiMaggio's burning home, as well as the body of a child who may be her 8-year-old brother, Ethan.
Family friends earlier told police that Hannah has recently become scared of DiMaggio, whom she and her brother had referred to as "Uncle Jim." They also said that the 40-year-old family friend of the Andersons had harbored inappropriate feelings for the teen.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department said Thursday that a search of DiMaggio's home suggests he might have homemade explosives with him and may have booby-trapped his car. A bomb squad was examining the vehicle located in Idaho to render it safe.
Anyone with information on their possible whereabouts is asked to immediately call the San Diego County Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200.
Related:
Amber Alert Kidnapping Suspect Reportedly Had A 'Crush' On 16-Year-Old, Search Expands To Mexico, Oregon
What's Up With That Amber Alert You Got
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