California Amber Alert Seeks Two Children, May Be Headed To Texas Or Canada

An Amber Alert was issued in California for a 16-year-old girl and her eight-year-old brother after their mother and another child were found dead in a burned-out home over the weekend.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department believes James Lee DiMaggio, a friend of the mother’s, is their suspect. They believe DiMaggio is either headed to Texas or Canada with the two abducted children, Hanna and Ethan.

Officials were alerted to the abductions when firefighters responded to a fire at DiMaggio’s house, reports CNN. They later discovered the body of 44-year-old Christina Anderson.

The sheriff’s department released a statement saying that they determined Anderson was murdered, prompting the Amber Alert for hew two children. The identity of the child found dead was not known.

The department added that a dog in the residence had also been killed, though it was not clear if the death was caused by the fire or something else.

DiMaggio is believed to be driving a blue Nissan Versa with California license plate 6WCU986. The county issued an Amber Alert Monday night, sending text alerts to all phone owners in Southern California.

The alert is part of a partnership between cell companies and the California Highway Patrol, notes The Los Angeles Times. A similar text message work New Yorkers up last month when an Amber Alert was issued in that state.

The suspect had a “close platonic relationship” with Anderson, according to authorities. It is unclear what his possible motive could be in the alleged murder and kidnapping. Authorities believe DiMaggio has one or both of Anderson’s children with him. It is not known why he would be heading to Texas or Canada.

Anyone with information on the California Amber Alert is asked to call the county’s homicide detail at (858) 974-2321 or (858) 565-5200. They can also call the San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

How do you feel about receiving Amber Alerts in the form of a text message on your phone?

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