Key dates in the cases of murdered Poway teenager Chelsea King, Escondido teenager Amber Dubois and convicted sex offender John Gardner.
Feb. 13, 2009
Amber Dubois last seen after 7 a.m. about a block from Escondido HS.
Aug. 13, 2009
Amber’s story featured on “America’s Most Wanted.”
Dec. 27, 2009
Jogger Candice Moncayo was attacked at 10:30 a.m. at Rancho Bernardo Community Park. She later identified John Gardner as her attacker.
Feb. 24
Brent and Kelly King last see their daughter Chelsea King.
Feb. 25
Chelsea King went for a run after school near Lake Hodges.
Feb.26, 27, 28
Volunteers gather at Rancho Bernardo Business Park to canvass the neighborhood. A $5,000 reward is offered and the FBI is involved.
Feb. 28
John Albert Gardner III arrested outside of Hernandez’ Hideaway in Escondido around 4:30 p.m.
March 1
Divers searched the shore of Lake Hodges where searchers found a piece of clothing belonging to Chelsea King.
March 2
A body was found in a shallow grave near a tributary about 15 feet from the southern shore of Lake Hodges. Sheriff Bill Gore announced that the body is “likely” that of Chelsea King.
March 2
A vigil originally planned to support the King family at St. Michael Catholic Church became a memorial after news of the teenager’s body was announced.
March 3
Vandals painted “Chelseas Blood is on you move out” on the garage door of the home of Gardner’s mother and stepfather in the 17000 block of Matinal Road in Rancho Bernardo.
March 3
John Gardner arraigned on murder and attempted rape charges in connection with Chelsea King and the attack on a jogger near Lake Hodges in Dec. 2009.
March 6
Remains were found on the Pala Indian Reservation east of Interstate 15 and bisected by SR 76.
March 7
Amber’s parents appear with Escondido police when they announced the discovery of Amber’s body.
March 8
Vigil held at Escondido HS for Amber Dubois
March 9
Search warrants served on Gardner’s Lakeside home
March 9
Status hearing held for John Gardner where attorneys Mel Epley and Michael Popkins asked for a delay in the preliminary hearing originally scheduled for March 18. Judge David Danielson granted the extension, moving the preliminary hearing to Aug. 4.
March 12
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered a review of the way the state handled the case of John Gardner.
March 13
Thousands gathered at Poway High to remember Chelsea King
March 15
The Kings announce they have established a non-profit organization aimed to help make communities safer called The Chelsea’s Light Foundation.
March 20
Runners gathered at Lake Hodges to finish Chelsea’s run
April 12
The Kings travel to Sacramento to lobby state lawmakers for legislation proposing lifetime GPS tracking for convicted sex offenders called “Chelsea’s Law.
April 16
Status hearing held for John Gardner
August 4
Preliminary hearing scheduled in the Chelsea King case.
Gardner was charged with four felony counts in March of 2000. According to court records from a 2000 conviction, Gardner picked up a 13 year-old girl at a bus stop, took her back to his Rancho Bernardo home, where he assaulted and beat her. On September 13, 2000 he was sentenced to six years in state prison, and ordered to pay a $1200 fine. His five-year prison term ended in 2005, after which he served three years parole.
Parole records show state officials found Gardner illegally living within a half-mile of a school in September 2007 and decided to keep him on parole. The records show at least five later violations, the last on Sept. 8, 2008, just 18 days before Gardner was let go from parole supervision and his location-tracking GPS bracelet removed from his ankle.
