Danielle Van Dam
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Danielle Nicole Van Dam (September 22, 1994 – February 2, 2002) was an American murder victim.
Danielle was born in Texas and was the only daughter of Damon and Brenda Van Dam. Danielle and her family lived in Sabre Springs; a community in northeast San Diego, California.
Danielle was the couple's middle child; she had an older brother Derek, 11, and a younger brother Dylan, 6.
Police claim that David Westerfield, a neighbor who Danielle and her mother had earlier sold Girl Scout cookies to, entered the Van Dam home in the middle of the night and kidnapped Danielle while she was in her bed sleeping.
[edit] Death
Danielle was put in bed by her father around 10:30 p.m February 1, 2002. The next morning, Brenda went upstairs to wake her up for breakfast. Danielle wasn't in her room. The family searched their home for her, but she wasn't there. Her family phoned the police and soon the entire neighborhood was interviewed. Suspicion soon fell upon neighbor David Westerfield. Westerfield told investigators he was driving around, in his mobile home at the time of Danielle's disappearance. His trip seemed to have no purpose and frequently changed. Danielle was found February 27. Her body was too decomposed to determine if she was sexually assaulted. A cause of death was also not determined. Westerfield was indicted for murder and kidnapping and was convicted in August 2002. The jury recommended the death penalty. The judge sentenced him to death in January 2003.
[edit] Conclusion
After his conviction, the Van Dam family sued David Westerfield for wrongful death. His insurance company, who provided him with insurance for his home, SUV, and mobile home settled for $416,000. The Van Dams did so to save themselves from extensive civil litigation and to provide money for the education of Danielle's two brothers. Part of the settlement states the Van Dams can sue Westerfield again should he try to profit from his crime. Westerfield, who is now 54 years old, is incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison. He awaits execution. The Van Dams arranged a visit to San Quentin State Prison. Brenda, in particular, wanted to speak with Westerfield but through his lawyers he refused to see them.
[edit] External links
Media coverage of the case
