Texas Identifies Remains of Girl Abducted Five Years Ago

FORT WORTH —  Recently discovered skeletal remains have been identified as those of a 6-year-old who was abducted near her grandparents’ home five years ago, a medical examiner said Monday.

DNA testing confirmed the remains were those of Opal Jennings, who was abducted in March 1999.

She died from a blow to the head, the medical examiner’s office said.

Horseback riders found part of a skull on Dec. 30, about 10 miles from Opal’s grandparents’ home in Saginaw, northwest of Fort Worth.

Authorities later found more bone fragments and a pair of pink Barbie tennis shoes similar to those Opal was wearing when she disappeared.

Richard Lee Franks of Fort Worth was convicted of aggravated kidnapping in the case in 2000 and was sentenced to life in prison.

He maintained his innocence, claiming he suffered from a low IQ and was coerced into a confession.

The Tarrant County district attorney’s office did not immediately return calls seeking comment on whether Franks would face additional charges.

Opal’s mother, Leola Sanderford, said finding out what happened to the little girl was painful, but after five years without answers, it also was a relief.

“I feel a lot better. The weight’s taken off,” she said.