Jaycee Dugard - Research Paper Example

Jaycee Dugard Jaycee Dugard Introduction Jaycee Dugard was kidnapped in 1991 in California at a bus stop. During her abduction, she was only 11 and stayed missing for 18 years. After she went missing, searchers were conducted immediately, but none provided consistent leads and insights into her disappearance. After her disappearance, police could not figure out the kidnappers, and they could not locate her body. The investigations and searches went cold leaving her family torn between resignation and hope.

After years of waiting, Dugard reappeared with two children, fathered by her supposed abductor. The kidnapper purportedly raped her and impregnated her with the two children. These activities occurred in the abductor’s backyard, and with the assistance of his wife. Her kidnapper was a known sex offender serving parole. The kidnapper’s neighbors considered him dangerous and creepy (Biagi, 2012). Additionally, the kidnapper’s family did not have any positive contributions or perspectives about him.

Most importantly, the kidnapper was placed under the watch of the Californian Justice system during the occurrence of the heinous acts. Investigation, the allegations, and evidence gathered The kidnapping incident and provides intriguing insights into the Californian judicial system. For instance, the kidnapper was on parole, but managed to escape the investigators and the parole officers who visited his home severally. In addition, the kidnapper successfully hid Dugard for 18 years without stirring the concentration of the authorities (Siegel, 2011).

Additionally, the parents of Dugard moved to Garden Grove based on the notions that the community was secure for their family. Investigations into the kidnap case established that the kidnappers approached Dugard who thought that they would seek directions. Through the abduction ordeal, she transited between consciousness and unconsciousness. She pleaded with the kidnappers that her parents did not have the means to raise the ransom. The investigations also established that Nancy Garrido acted as a scout for her husband (Biagi, 2012).

Carl Probyn, Dugard’s stepfather observed the seizure, and he recounted seeing two people in a vehicle turn at the place where Dugard stood. Probyn also recounted seeing a woman compel Dugard into the vehicle. He gave a chase on his bicycle, but could not outdo the vehicle used in the abduction. Additionally, several Dugard’s classmates witnessed the abduction. Initial investigations focused on Ken, Dugard’s natural father, and Probyn. The two took a polygraph test that cleared any suspicion.

After her disappearance and the investigative team lacked clues on her whereabouts, the case files were closed (Siegel, 2011). In 2009, Garrido appeared at an FBI office in San Francisco where he left a recount of his behaviors and healing process. He then went to University of California, Berkeley Police Office in the company of his two daughters with Dugard (Siegel, 2011). A background check by the officers established his preceding activities. These checks were motivated by the state and behavior of the two girls during the visit.

This led to increased interest from the police department, which led to interrogations of Garrido, his wife, the 2 girls and Dugard (Siegel, 2011). During the interrogations, Dugard assumed a fake identity and upheld that Garrido was a good man. However, the arrival of a Concord Police Sergeant saw Garrido admit to kidnapping and raping Dugard (Siegel, 2011). Garrido was investigated extensively through investigations conducted on his home. His neighbor’s house was also searched because Garrido had admittance to the house.

Additionally, police investigated his printing business and clients (Whitehead, Dodson, & Edwards, 2013). Police agencies from Dublin and Hayward California were engaged in the investigations because of previously missing girls, particularly Michaela Garecht. Several charges were made in this case. For instance, Dugard’s father and stepfather were alleged to be involved in the abduction based on the notion that the two wanted control over the family. In addition, Garrido’s businesses, business partners and clients were supposed to be involved in the abduction ring. The U.S was alleged to have ignored the parole of Garrido.

This means that the country failed to monitor his activities during his parole. The criminal justice system failed to apprehend the criminals and stop the occurrence of the abduction on several instances (Whitehead, Dodson, & Edwards, 2013). For instance, the police failed to connect the abduction and a rape incident that occurred at the same location as the abduction. A caller reportedly stated that he saw Dugard a year after the abduction staring at a missing poster of herself. The caller identified a yellow van, which was recovered from Garrido’s property during investigations in 2009.

The Inspector General of California noted that lapses in the police force led to continued captivity of Dugard (Whitehead, Dodson, & Edwards, 2013). For instance, the criminal justice system placed Garrido under low-level supervision instead of high supervision. Conclusion The case was brought to trial and the suspects prosecuted because of witness recount. The jury also played an immense role during the prosecution. The grand jury had previously prosecuted Garrido, in 2010. It is also believed that Garrido made a deal with the prosecutor to plead accountable and fritter life in prison.

References Biagi, S. (2012). Media/impact: An introduction to mass media. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Siegel, L. J. (2011). Criminology: The core. Australia: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning. Whitehead, J. T., Dodson, K. D., & Edwards, B. D. (2013). Corrections: Exploring crime, punishment, and justice in America. Waltham, MA: Anderson Pub.