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Sheriff Sorry for Missing Jaycee Case

911 caller warned of children living in Garrido's backyard

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 28, 2009 4:21 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Sheriff of Contra Costa County apologized to Jaycee Lee Dugard’s family today for not investigating the case earlier, the Los Angeles Times reports. Sheriff Warren Rupf said a 911 caller warned years ago that children were living in tents in Phillip Garrido's backyard. But a deputy responding to the call let Garrido off with a warning. "This is not an acceptable outcome," Rupf said.

"I cannot change the course of events," Rupf added, saying his department "accepted responsibility for having missed an earlier opportunity to rescue Jaycee. We are beating up ourselves over this."

Conta Costa County Sheriff Warren E. Rupf speaks at a news conference discussing contact the Sheriff's Office had with kidnap suspect Phillip Garrido in 2006 on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2009, in Martinez, Calif.
Conta Costa County Sheriff Warren E. Rupf speaks at a news conference discussing contact the Sheriff's Office had with kidnap suspect Phillip Garrido in 2006 on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2009, in Martinez, Calif.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
This image provided by the El Dorado County, Calif. Sheriff's office, and taken Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 shows Phillip Garrido.
This image provided by the El Dorado County, Calif. Sheriff's office, and taken Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 shows Phillip Garrido.   (AP Photo/El Dorado County Sheriffs)
Conta Costa County Sheriff Warren E. Rupf, left, speaks at a news conference in 2006 on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2009, in Martinez, Calif.
Conta Costa County Sheriff Warren E. Rupf, left, speaks at a news conference in 2006 on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2009, in Martinez, Calif.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
grassisntgreener
Aug 30, 2009 12:01 PM CDT
What could the warning have been?"Since you are a pedophile ,you shouldnt have kids living in tents in the back yard.so dont do it again." Unbelievable!
boubou
Aug 29, 2009 12:43 PM CDT
I totally agree with you. "I"m sorry" at a new conference just doesn't cut it. What about the terror Jaycee went through because of this idiotic handling. As mentioned, leave the pot smokers alone and "weed" out these sickening people instead. The thing is, there are more of these girls out there, find them!!!
So_Cal_Larry
Aug 29, 2009 12:25 PM CDT
Let's keep in mind that this case was broken by the 'rent-a-cop' police of the University of California at Berkeley. In all these years, the very expensive parole department of the State missed it. Multiple reports regarding the 'tent city' and 'childs voices therein' permitted law enforcement to miss it. Even when they were there, at the address, inside the house they missed it. Serious crimes right in front of their nose, and they missed it. Again and again, they missed it. Our very expensive law enforcement system which loves harrassing the poor people misses gigantic crimes whose stench is rising into their nose on the property. How do they explain it? With an apology? Give me a f**king break.

More Newser Stories

Suspect in Calif. Kidnapping Turns Herself In

Jaycee Dugard Was Garrido's 5th Victim

Jaycee: After Giving Birth, 'I Wasn't Alone'

Jaycee Dugard: I Can Finally Say My Name

Jaycee: Escape Impossible After Girls Were Born


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