Hidden In Plain Sight: The Traumatic Abduction and Eventual Rescue of Jaycee Dugard

In June 1991, 11-year-old Jaycee Dugard was abducted from a bus stop near her home. Her incredible story was finally revealed when she was rescued nearly two decades later

Depiction of Jaycee Dugard

Background

On June 10, 1991, 11-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard’s life was changed forever. While walking to her school bus stop in South Lake Tahoe, California, Jaycee was abducted.

For over 18 years, she was held captive by a man and his wife, enduring hardships hardly imaginable. Her story of strength, survival, and eventual rescue captured attention, shined a light on the realities of abduction, and showcased the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

Born on May 3, 1980, in Arcadia, California, to Terry Probyn and biological father Ken Slayton—who wasn't actively involved in her life—Jaycee Lee Dugard grew up under the care of her stepfather, Carl Probyn after her mother remarried.

The family moved to South Lake Tahoe—a town nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains with its beauty and outdoor activities—Jaycee thrived in this serene environment.

She found joy in school and excelled as a student. She frequently sketched pictures and penned stories. Her family life was filled with love; her hardworking mother ensured their needs were met, while her stepfather Carl strived to be an influence despite the challenges that come with blended families.

Photo of Jaycee Dugard (The Orange County Register)

Abduction

On the morning of June 10, 1991, Jaycee’s life was forever altered when she set out for the bus stop at the end of Washoan Boulevard. The walk was brief, but as Jaycee made her way up the hill toward the bus stop, she noticed a car following her.

Behind the wheel were Phillip and Nancy Garrido. That morning, the couple had been driving around searching for a victim.

Moments later, Phillip pulled his car alongside Jaycee and used a stun gun to overpower the young girl, causing her to collapse to the ground.

He then rushed out of the car, scooped up Jaycee in his arms, dumped her in the back seat of his four-door sedan, and drove off.

Jaycees stepfather, Carl Probyn, happened to be riding a bicycle nearby and actually witnessed the abduction. He saw a car pull up next to Jaycee and then quickly speed away, leaving Jaycee nowhere in sight.

Frantically, Carl tried to follow the vehicle on his bike, but it was already too late. All he could do was watch helplessly as the car vanished from his view.

June 11, 1991 article from The Sacramento Bee