Kidnap-Murder Suspect Enters Not Guilty Plea
David Westerfield, a self-employed engineer, pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of kidnapping and murdering 7-year-old Danielle van Dam.
He was charged two weeks ago after a preliminary hearing in which prosecutors presented DNA evidence allegedly linking him to the crime.
Superior Court Judge William Mudd set May 17 as a trial date, although Westerfield’s defense attorneys can request a delay.
Prosecutors have not decided whether to seek the death penalty.
An appeals court this week tentatively granted a defense request to seal search warrants used by police to gather evidence in Westerfield’s home.
Danielle’s body was found Feb.27, 25 days after she disappeared from the family home in an upscale suburb. Westerfield, 50, lives two houses from the family.
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