The convicted sex offender charged with murdering Chelsea King in California is now under investigation in the 2009 disappearance of a 14-year-old girl and the attempted kidnapping of another.
Authorities believe that a body found Tuesday in Lake Hodges is that of 17-year-old King, although the medical examiner's office has not yet confirmed the identity. John Robert Gardner III remains jailed in San Diego County, after pleading not guilty to murdering King, who went missing after jogging in a wilderness park late February. Gardner also pleaded not guilty to assault with intent to commit rape in connection with a December 2008 attack on a 22-year-old jogger at the same park.
Gardner lived in the San Diego County town of Escondido in February, near where 14-year-old Amber Dubois vanished while walking to school. Authorities say they are now investigating him in connection with the girl's disappearance.
A 16-year-old girl reported that she ran away after a man asked her for directions, then tried to force her into his car at gunpoint in October 2008 in Lake Elsinore. Police say there are similarities between the girl's description of the suspect and Gardiner.
Gardner also pleaded guilty in 2000 to molesting a 13-year-old girl and served a five year prison term. A psychiatrist who interviewed Gardner called him a poor candidate for therapy and a "continued danger to underage girls in the community."
