Police puzzled over motive for abduction

Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES -- Jessica Cortez probably was not taken by force and was not harmed by the mother of four who allegedly abducted her for two days, interim Los Angeles Police Department chief Martin Pomeroy said Wednesday.

And investigators believe that 4-year-old Jessica was in the custody of Patricia Cornejo for the entire 45 hours she was missing this week.

That search ended happily Tuesday afternoon when Jessica was found at a health clinic near the University of California Los Angeles. Cornejo, who police say acted alone, had brought her there.

As Jessica's parents celebrated her safe return, and clinic workers who rescued her were feted, police puzzled over what motivated the abduction.

"I don't know how you can understand why she might have done this. We're struggling to do so, and as yet she has not informed us," Pomeroy said.

The 34-year-old woman was described by acquaintances as troubled and reclusive.

Investigators now think Cornejo led Jessica away from Echo Park, a couple of miles northwest of downtown, on Sunday by means perhaps no more complicated, "than holding her hand and walking out of the park," Pomeroy said.

Police say that Cornejo did not know Jessica or her family before the kidnapping, and that Cornejo was cooperative with investigators, telling them that she saw Jessica in the park, and took her home.

Beyond that, her motives remain "hazy," Pomeroy said.

Thankful parents

Jessica's mother and father, Maria Hernandez and Rafael Cortez, appeared in Echo Park Wednesday to thank police and area residents for their help.

Hernandez said she never lost hope that Jessica would be found.

"We waited two days and two nights for this. Now she's back," Hernandez said.

Jessica was dressed in a frock and blue sandals, and still wearing her hospital bracelet. She appeared unfazed, and spent part of the news conference occupied with crayons and paper.

Hernandez said Jessica seemed mostly upset that her hair had been cut, and was otherwise healthy.

As of Wednesday morning, investigators had not interviewed Jessica.

"We don't have a complete story, but we didn't push. We showed some compassion," Pomeroy said. "We will interview her when the time is right."