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Aunt: Jaycee Raised Two Bright Girls

Abductee taught daughters to read, use the Internet

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2009 12:42 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Jaycee Lee Dugard managed to raise two bright and normal kids despite their backyard captivity, her aunt tells the Orange County Register. "I'm a teacher. I know kids," says Tina Dugard, the sister of Jaycee's mom, Terry. "And I can tell you that they are a normal 11- and 15-year-old." The girls know how to read and use the Internet. "It's clear that Jaycee did a great job with the limited resources she had and her limited education."

Tina Dugard took part in the family reunion when Jaycee introduced her daughters to Terry. All seem remarkably happy, she said. As for Jaycee, "she does seem like a 29-year-old woman. She's fabulous, and she's beautiful." When Jaycee met the younger sister she never knew, there was an "instant connection," says Tina. "It was almost a genetic connection … an instant sense of family, for all of us."

Authorities dig and search a shack next to a tent, left, in the back yard.
Authorities dig and search a shack next to a tent, left, in the back yard.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Nancy Garrido looks out at the courtroom during her arraignment.
Nancy Garrido looks out at the courtroom during her arraignment.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
A file photo of Jaycee Lee Dugard.
A file photo of Jaycee Lee Dugard.   (AP Photo)
Phillip Garrido is seen with his court appointed attorney on Aug. 28.
Phillip Garrido is seen with his court appointed attorney on Aug. 28.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Jes
Sep 4, 2009 4:10 AM CDT
I gotta to with Matt on this one. How many homeschool kids have you ever met that you couldn't pick out of a crowd? These kids, knowing absolutely nothing except this environment, have to me more than blips on a weird radar. It's a relief to know they can read and so have had some education. They are likely very under-socialized but at least have hopes of having met some educational milestones.
NxBigmouthery
Sep 3, 2009 10:12 AM CDT
On the basis of the reports coming in from family, it sounds as if Jaycee did a tremendous job given her extreme circumstances.
sysco9
Sep 3, 2009 9:22 AM CDT
Totally agree. We as internet folks have a much better view and understanding of these girls than their aunt that visited them in person. haha..

 
kidnapping • Jaycee Lee Dugard • Phillip Garrido • Nancy Garrido • Terry Probyn

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