Investigators search for clues in neighboring yard of couple charged with girl’s abduction

Police search neighbors’ back yard in kidnap case

ANTIOCH, Calif. — Authorities inspected the neighboring back yard of the couple charged with kidnapping a girl 18 years ago, seeking clues that could shed light on unsolved murders of prostitutes and other open cases.

About 20 officers on Sunday were at the home of Nancy and Phillip Garrido. The couple was arrested Wednesday for allegedly abducting Jaycee Lee Dugard in 1991, raping her and holding her in captivity. They have pleaded not guilty.

The neighboring home and property have been cordoned off as a crime scene, but officials have not explained why.

A neighbor has said Phillip Garrido was caretaker for the property before its current occupant moved there in 2006.