Stanton, Calif.
Police this week charged a California man, Alejandro Avila, with kidnapping, sexually assaulting, and murdering 5-year-old Samantha Runnion. The girl and a friend were playing near their homes when a stranger asked for help finding a puppy, then snatched Samantha as she kicked and screamed. Her naked body was found a day later, lying in brush 60 miles away. Tips led detectives to Avila, 27, who was acquitted two years ago of molesting two 10-year-olds. Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona said DNA tests and other physical evidence left him 100 percent certain he had his killer. I told you we would hunt you down, Carona said in announcing the arrest. Through a lawyer, Avila said he was not Runnions killer.
