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Amber Alert For Southern California Children Expands

This composite photo provided by the San Diego Sheriff's Department shows: James Lee Dimaggio, 40, left, Ethan Anderson, 8, and Hannah Anderson, 16. (San Diego Sheriff's Department via AP)
This composite photo provided by the San Diego Sheriff's Department shows: James Lee Dimaggio, 40, left, Ethan Anderson, 8, and Hannah Anderson, 16. (San Diego Sheriff's Department via AP)

The amber alert that was issued in California for two children, Hannah and Ethan Anderson, ages 16 and 8, has been extended to Washington and Oregon.

The children went missing from a Southern California community near San Diego.

The suspect is a family friend, James "Jim" Lee DiMaggio. He's believed to be driving a Nissan Versa, California license plate 6WCU986. Officials think it was sighted Wednesday afternoon in southern Oregon.

Even as the alert extends north, officials are also looking for the suspect in Mexico.

Speaking with CNN earlier today, the children's father, Brett Anderson, said he has no idea where DiMaggio is going, but it might be remote.

"He's into camping he could be anywhere. That's why I'm asking people going out to different camping spots. Please keep your eyes open. I don't care where it is, I just have no clue. It's surreal to me. I'm just kind of taking it day by day and hoping for the best."

The body of the children's mother, Christina Anderson, was found in DiMaggio's burning home on Sunday night.

Along with her were the burned remains of a child. Officials have not confirmed it, but relatives have said they believe it's the body of 8-year-old Ethan.

Guest

  • Kate Mather, reporter for the Los Angeles Times. She tweets @katemather.
  • Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.