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Is Hannah Anderson James DiMaggio's Daughter? Kidnapper's Family Requests DNA Testing
Another bizarre twist in the Hannah Anderson kidnapping case: The family of suspected killer and kidnapper James DiMaggio is asking for DNA testing to determine if he is the father of either or both Hannah and her brother Ethan.
The request stems from the revelation that DiMaggio willed $112,000 to the Anderson siblings' paternal grandmother, Bernice Anderson, with instructions she provide care for the children, according to ABC 10 News in San Diego.
"There are rumors Jim was the children's real father," a DiMaggio family spokesman said.
However, the Anderson family is disputing these claims, according to CNN. In a statement, the family remarked:
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"Brett and Tina Anderson did not meet Mr. DiMaggio until the sixth month of Tina's pregnancy with Hannah. Brett Anderson's DNA was used to identify the body of his dead son Ethan Anderson."
16-year-old Hannah Anderson's relationship with DiMaggio remains highly scrutinized following her kidnapping. Evidence collected at DiMaggio's home in the border town of Boulevard, California has raised eyebrows and suspicions of just how close he was to the Anderson family, particularly Hannah. That evidence included handwritten letters to him from Hannah, a handcuff box, incendiary devices, a gas can, rolls of duct tape, used condoms, ammunition, an arson wire, camping gear and a map of Yosemite. It is not known what relation, if any, the items are to DiMaggio's alleged crimes. Authorities have said they do not believe Hannah Anderson conspired with DiMaggio.
DiMaggio is believed to have killed Christina Anderson, Hannah's mother, and 8-year-old Ethan, in his home, then set the residence on fire. He then allegedly took Hannah captive and fled the state, prompting a widely-disseminated Amber Alert. The two were located in Idaho, and DiMaggio killed by authorities; Anderson was returned safely to California.
Related:
Investigators Find Letters From Hannah Anderson, More Creepy Evidence At Kidnapping Suspect's California Home
16-Year-Old Kidnapping Victim Answered Questions About Her Ordeal Online
Amber Alert Kidnapping Suspect Reportedly Had A 'Crush' On 16-Year-Old
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