With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Father Of Kidnapped California Teen: 'Let My Daughter Go...You've Taken Everything Else'
Officials still haven't found any trace of the 16-year-old girl—or her alleged kidnapper—who was the subject of that cell phone Amber Alert that you probably received Monday night.
San Diego County Sheriff's detectives are still looking for 16-year-old Hannah Anderson and James Lee DiMaggio, the man accused of killing her mother Christina Anderson and her 8-year-old brother Ethan and kidnapping Hannah. Last night friends of the Anderson family held a vigil at Hannah's school El Capitan High School, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Her father spoke at the vigil and a press conference, and he demanded that DiMaggio return his daughter, "I'm begging you to let my daughter go. You've taken everything else."
DiMaggio was a close friend of the Anderson family, and the children considered him an uncle. Christina Anderson's body was found in the burning rubble of DiMaggio's home. It is believed that Ethan perished in the fire as well, though his body has not been identified.
Sponsored message
Investigators have received numerous tips after they sent out an Amber Alert on Monday night, but there haven't been any confirmed sightings of DiMaggio or his blue Nissan Versa with the California license plate 6WCU986. They believe that he is headed to Texas or Canada, but they're not sure. Authorities are not discussing DiMaggio's motive in the case.
They are very worried about Hannah. Lt. Glenn Giannantonio told Fox 5 San Diego, "We think she’s in grave danger."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
