16-year-old Hannah Anderson, the subject of an Amber Alert following the murder of her mother and eight-year-old brother in East County was found safe in Idaho. Suspect James Lee DiMaggio was shot and killed.
We want to thank the public for looking out for Hannah and Ethan Anderson during the Amber Alert and calling in your tips to law enforcement.
Below is a statement from Sheriff Bill Gore regarding Hannah’s rescue.
"After an arrest attempt today (August 10th), James Lee DiMaggio was shot and killed at approximately 4:20 p.m. (PST) at the north end of Morehead Lake, Idaho. Hannah Anderson was located with DiMaggio; appears well and will be transported to a local hospital for a complete medical evaluation.
To recap: This operation was initiated after a group of individuals observed a man and young girl, matching their description on Wednesday. DiMaggio's blue Versa was located Friday morning. Federal, state, and local resources were dispatched to Idaho, to locate the pair. A large-scale operation immediately ensued. Six representatives from the San Diego Sheriff's Department traveled to Idaho yesterday.
Three U. S. Marshals' Fugitive Task Force Officers, flying in a U. S. Marshals plane, were the ones who located DiMaggio's tent early this morning from the air and then coordinated the insertion of FBI SWAT and Hostage Rescue Team.
I want to emphasize what a massive collaborative effort this was with federal, state, and local law enforcement representatives from the San County Diego Sheriff's Department; FBI; U. S. Marshals Service; Ada County, Valley County, Idaho County Sheriff’s Departments; Idaho State Police; and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
We are looking forward to reuniting Hannah with her family as soon as possible.
The response and help of the media was also critical in getting information to the public, which ultimately led to DiMaggio's location and the recovery of Hannah."
Detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies are now gathering evidence at the site where Hannah was rescued. No other details about the shooting will be released at this time due to an ongoing investigation.
We will also work with Hannah and her family to get them the resources they need following this ordeal.
This all began Sunday, August 4th when firefighters discovered the body of a woman and a child following a fire at the home of James DiMaggio in Boulevard. An Amber Alert was issued for DiMaggio, Hannah and Ethan Anderson. Later in the week, the remains of Hannah’s mother and brother were identified. Witnesses then reported seeing a man and a teenager matching the description of Hannah and Dimaggio outside Cascade, Idaho. Hundreds of law enforcement personnel searched for Hannah Friday and Saturday leading to her rescue.
We also want to thank the CHP and law enforcement agencies in Oregon, Washington, and other states for their assistance in issuing the Amber Alert.
This case proves the greatest tool against crime is law enforcement with the cooperation of the public. Stay Safe San Diego.
For crime prevention resources, visit www.sdsheriff.net.
To report suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
