Skip to main content /US
CNN.com /US
CNN TV
EDITIONS






Sheriff to killer: 'We are coming after you'

Authorities believe girl's killer will strike again

Suspect and Runnion
A sketch of the kidnapping suspect and a picture of the victim, Samantha Runnion, 5.  


STANTON, California (CNN) -- Police said Wednesday that a body found late Tuesday was that of 5-year-old kidnapped girl Samantha Runnion and that the abductor is likely a serial rapist and killer who will strike again.

Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona said that the girl was apparently sexually assaulted and an autopsy is under way to determine a cause of death.

"There was some trauma to the body," he said.

Carona said the kidnapper made no effort to hide the body, which was found nude along a road to a popular hang-gliding spot in Riverside County, 75 miles away from Stanton, where the girl was kidnapped Monday in front of a playmate.

"Don't eat, don't sleep, because we are coming after you."
— Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona.

"We believe he wanted us to find the body, and it was a calling card for future activity," he said.

FBI special agent Richard Garcia said forensic evidence found at the scene, including the positioning of the body, was "almost like a calling card, a challenge -- 'I'm here and I'm coming back.' "

Carona issued a warning to the killer. "Don't eat, don't sleep, because we are coming after you," he said.

He said the reward for information leading to his capture is about $200,000 to $250,000, which includes $50,000 from the state and $50,000 from BP, the employer of the girl's mother.

CNN NewsPass VIDEO
The abduction and killing of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion has parents scared and extra cautious. CNN's Anne McDermott reports (July 18)

Play video

Orange County, California, Sheriff Mike Carona reports the body of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion has been identified and warns her abductor might strike again. (July 17)

Play video
 

Abductor's description
  • Hispanic male
  • 25 to 40 years old
  • Black hair, slicked back
  • Black mustache
  • Powder-blue, button-down shirt

    Source: Orange County Sheriff's Department

  • EXTRA INFORMATION
    Missing children facts 
    Safety experts offer tips 
    Tips for children to avoid abduction 
     

    The sheriff, in an interview with CNN, said FBI profilers believe Samantha's kidnapper is "a serial sexual offender, perhaps a serial killer. Those types of individuals, with their profiling, generally strike again, so we wanted to make sure we got word out to the community very quickly."

    Carona said the FBI profilers determined "this individual has a pattern of behavior" suggesting he will probably strike again "in the immediate future."

    Police put out a flyer for Samantha's abductor describing him as a Hispanic male, 25 to 40 years old, with black hair greased back and a thin, black mustache. He was wearing a powder blue button-down shirt.

    Garcia said that his accent appeared to be "Americanized" and not international in nature.

    The sheriff appealed for information, and listed a number of behavioral changes -- including a sudden change in hair style, sudden refusal to drive a personal car, excessive interest in the investigation -- that could indicate someone who may have been involved in the kidnapping.

    In the CNN interview, Carona acknowledged his own "emotions run deep" in the case.

    "As a father, I'm devastated by what's taken place and having to deal with Samantha's family," he said. "As a cop, I'm sickened and there's not much I can do to bring Samantha back. I can't put my arms around her family, but I can make sure her killer's brought to justice, and I'll do that."

    Samantha was snatched before 7 p.m. Monday from an apartment complex in what Carona described as a "low-crime" neighborhood in Stanton, just west of Anaheim, where her grandmother was caring for her. The grandmother identified the body, the sheriff said.

    According to police, a man approached Samantha and a 5-year-old friend, asking them to help him find a puppy. While the playmate shied away, Samantha showed some interest and was grabbed by the suspect, police said.

    Samantha "screamed and yelled and created a disturbance" as neighbors from a distance saw the man forcing her into a vehicle before driving away, said Lt. Hayward Miller of the sheriff's department.

    Carona said the playmate, who he said has been "magnificent" at providing details, is under police protection.

    Police are looking for a two-door, light green car with chrome wheels. Carona said it might be a Honda or an Acura. The sheriff's department has a tip line: 714-890-4280.



     
     
     
     







    RELATED SITES:

     Search   

    Back to the top