Oakland police conducted a search of a backyard formerly owned by Daphne Webb's father, in the ongoing investigation into her disappearance 13 years ago. Despite the extensive search, which was prompted by a current resident's suspicions, authorities found no evidence. The case, which began with the father's account of leaving Daphne with his mother, remains unsolved, with various leads and locations investigated over the years.
OAKLAND — In the latest attempt to solve the disappearance 13 years ago of Daphne Webb , police here dug up a backyard that was once owned by Daphne’s father,Police found nothing of value during the late January dig, as they continue to investigate leads in Daphne’s July 10, 2013 disappearance.
Daphne’s father, John Webb, reported that he left her in a vehicle with his then-87-year-old mother — who suffered from dementia — while going into a convenience store near on 79th Avenue and International Boulevard, then returned to find the little girl was gone. Authorities questioned Webb’s story and arrested him on suspicion of child endangerment, but he was released a day later. Family members, including Daphne’s grandfather, publicly doubted he was telling the truth. Investigators attempted to interview the 87-year-old woman, but confirmed her dementia diagnosis and said that she couldn’t offer them any useful information. Webb died of suicide in May 2014, with his version of events still under investigation, according to police. Authorities pressed on nonetheless, determined that they’d find the answers. “We are going to solve this case; it’s just a matter of time,” an Oakland police spokeswoman said in August 2013, according to media reports. Since then, police have tried one investigative lead after another, but produced no answers. Investigators have looked for her in numerous locations around the East Bay, including the Oakland airport, the Webb family home and in a water search operation along the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline. This latest search focused on a home on the 2700 block of 75th Avenue, where Webb had lived. It was prompted by the current resident, who learned about Daphne’s disappearance and became convinced that a pile of rocks and bricks in the backyard was suspicious and a possible indication of a secret grave, authorities said. Homicide investigators dug up the pile but, like with the other searches, found nothing that could lead to a resolution of the mystery. Daphne was 22 months old when she was reported missing; if she’s still alive, she will turn 15 in October. In the aftermath of her disappearance, police offered a reward of up to $20,000, which generated no definitive leads. A website, findbabydaphne.com, was used to generate tips but has since lapsed. Daphne’s name appears with those of hundreds of other missing people on the California Attorney General’s website, but her description, photograph, height and weight are all consistent with how she appeared at the time of her disappearance, along with the tip that she was wearing orange two piece pajamas with pink hearts, pink socks at the time. Anyone with information about the case can call the Oakland Police Department missing persons unit at 510-238-3641. If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, round-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see theDear Abby: We have a new baby and my wife has left me for her girlfriendWhy Bay Area schools are cutting jobs and closing campuses despite record state fundingHarriette Cole: My godson is still in college and his 40ish girlfriend wants a babyMiss Manners: Is it OK for an adorable child to order an adult off a public bench?
Missing Person Cold Case Oakland Investigation Daphne Webb
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oakland's favorite brunch spot is coming to SFGrand Lake Kitchen, an East Bay mainstay, has opened its third outpost for elevated comfort food — in The City
Read more »
Oakland: Single-family home goes for $875,000A single-family home located in the 4200 block of Whittle Ave. in Oakland changed owner on Jan. 9. The 1,420-square-foot house, built in 1962, was sold for $875,000, or $616 per square foot. This single-story house has three bedrooms and…
Read more »
58 graduate from Columbus police academy, with 56 joining police and 2 joining fireThe Columbus Police Training Academy celebrated a new group of graduates Friday morning, sending dozens of new police and fire cadets one step closer to serving
Read more »
Prison cell raid opens human trafficking investigation in OaklandAuthorities seized a contraband prison cellphone from an Oakland native who was serving a sentence for human trafficking of a child, court records show.
Read more »
Oakland Coliseum to host Major League Cricket playoffs, title match in JulySan Francisco Unicorns will also play regular-season Major League Cricket at the Coliseum in June.
Read more »
Oakland police dig up backyard in latest effort to find Daphne Webb, missing for 13 yearsIt was the latest failed attempt to find Daphne Webb, whose father reported she was kidnapped, then died by suicide the following year.
Read more »