Danielle Nicole Van Dam (September 22, 1994 - February 2, 2002) was an American murder victim. September 22 is the 265th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (266th in leap years). ... 1994 (MCMXCIV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by United Nations. ... February 2 is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... For album titles with the same name, see 2002 (album). ...

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. Official language(s) See: Languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Area  Ranked 2nd  - Total 268,581 sq mi (695,622 km²)  - Width 773 miles (1,244 km)  - Length 790 miles (1,270 km)  - % water 2. ... It has been suggested that Downtown San Diego be merged into this article or section. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ...

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. David Westerfield David Alan Westerfield (born June 16, 1949), of San Diego, California was convicted, in 2002, for the murder of seven-year-old Danielle Van Dam. ...

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 diappearance. 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. February 1 is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... For album titles with the same name, see 2002 (album). ... February 27 is the 58th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... For album titles with the same name, see 2002 (album). ... Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is the execution of a convicted criminal by the State as punishment for crimes known as capital crimes or capital offenses. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

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. San Quentin State Prison San Quentin State Prison is located on 432 acres (1. ... San Quentin State Prison San Quentin State Prison is located on 432 acres (1. ...

External links

Media coverage of the case

• COURTTV.COM - Danielle van Dam Murder Case
• The San Diego Union-Tribune