Police have been tight-lipped about what exactly the new information is, but Oakland Police spokesperson Joanna White says whatever the information is, it has prompted them to gather investigators to search an open area of Oakland starting Saturday at 8 a.m. They're hoping they can uncover clues to find out what happened to Daphne.
"So, someone knows where Daphne is," FBI spokesperson Julie Sohn said Friday. The FBI announced Friday that a reward for information leading to the whereabouts of 21-month old Daphne Webb has been increased to $20,000. "We're committed to working with OPD and our local law enforcement partners to bring Daphne home."
Investigators are finalizing plans to search Saturday morning and afternoon. Police wouldn't say where they'll be looking, but they did say specialized equipment will be used for their two-pronged investigation. They're treating the case of the missing girl as both a missing person's case, and a homicide.
"Whether the investigation reveals foul play or if there's evidence that would lead to the location of baby Daphne still alive," Watson explained.
Just after 11 a.m. on July 10, John Webb told police his daughter had disappeared after he left her in an SUV with his elderly mother who suffers from dementia while he made a quick stop inside a store for a drink. Webb was arrested the next day on suspicion of felony child endangerment, but prosecutors declined to file charges and he was released.
On Friday, Oakland police said John Webb remains a person of interest.
A memorial at the apartment complex where the Daphne lived serves as a reminder that the community holds out hope, Daphne will be found safe and alive.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Oakland Police Department's Missing Persons Unit at (510) 238-3352 or 911.
