Chelsea King News: Body Found in Shallow Grave Likely Missing 17-Year-Old (PICTURES)
Photo: Chelsea King.
PICTURES: Chelsea King Missing
PICTURES: Chelsea King Vigil, Family Mourns
The body was found buried in a shallow grave on the south shore of Lake Hodges, said San Diego County Sheriff William Gore. The body has not been positively identified, but Gore said there was a "strong likelihood" it was Chelsea's.
Brent King, Chelsea's father, thanked supporters on the lawn of St. Michael's Church in Poway, northeast of San Diego. Some in the audience fought to control their sobs as he spoke.
Photo: Chelsea King.
PICTURES: Chelsea King Missing
PICTURES: Chelsea King Vigil, Family Mourns
"One of the nicknames that I've always called my daughter is my Angel. She's my angel forever," he said.
Gardner is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in San Diego.
Photo: Chelsea King.
PICTURES: Chelsea King Missing
PICTURES: Chelsea King Vigil, Family Mourns
The 30-year-old sex offender pleaded guilty in May 2000 to molesting a 13-year-old female neighbor and served five years of a six-year prison term. The girl was beaten before escaping and running to a neighbor.
Severe shock and denial among King's classmates is giving way to anger and hurt, Traci Barkerball, King's teacher for three years at Poway High School, said Tuesday night.
"What bothers me most is the kids don't feel safe anymore," Barkerball said between hugs for grieving students. "Their sense of security has been taken away from them."
King, a senior, was quick to volunteer for school activities, whether at a prom for special education students or orientation night for incoming freshmen, said Barkerball, who supervised her in a peer counseling program.
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PICTURES: Chelsea King Missing
PICTURES: Chelsea King Vigil, Family Mourns
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