Daveggio-Michaud Minivan Murders

Abduction and Assault of Aleda Doe (Reno Case)

Aleda Doe, a 20-year-old student, was abducted in the Reno area and sexually assaulted in the minivan before being released. This earlier kidnapping case later helped trigger the couple's arrest.

Additional Sexual Assaults

Daveggio and Michaud committed additional sexual offenses against Daveggio's minor daughter (April Doe) and her friend (Sharona Doe) in November 1997. Evidence of these assaults later became part of the California prosecution.

Purchase of Torture Instruments

Daveggio and Michaud purchased two curling irons from a Kmart in Hayward, CA. These were later modified by Daveggio and used to sexually torture Vanessa Samson.

Purchase of Ball Gag and Erotica

The couple purchased a red rubber ball gag and a cassette tape titled 'Submissive Young Girls' from an adult store in Livermore, CA. These items were used during the assault on Vanessa Samson.

Hunting for Victims near High School

The day before the Samson abduction, investigators believe the couple cruised the Pleasanton area, including parking outside a local high school, in search of potential abduction victims.

Abduction of Vanessa Lei Samson

Daveggio and Michaud abducted 22-year-old college student Vanessa Lei Samson in Pleasanton, forcing her into their green Dodge minivan.

1. Vanessa Samson leaves her residence on Kern Court to walk to her clerical job. Witnesses hear a scream and see the green Dodge Caravan leaving the area.
2. Michaud cashes a $538 welfare check in Sacramento, indicating the van drove east after the abduction.

Assault, Torture, and Murder of Vanessa Samson

After abducting Vanessa Samson, Daveggio and Michaud held her in the rigged minivan, sexually assaulted and tortured her with modified curling irons, and ultimately strangled her with a nylon rope.

1. The couple checks into the Tahoe Sundowner Motel in South Lake Tahoe, while Vanessa is held in the van.
2. The van is seen near Sly Park Recreation Area. Evidence later indicated an envelope in the van stated '# People: 3', confirming Samson's presence.

Body left off Highway 88

After killing Samson, Daveggio and Michaud drove to a remote section of the Sierra Nevada and disposed of her body down a snowy embankment off Highway 88.

1. The couple disposes of the body and returns to the motel.

Arrest of Daveggio and Michaud

Acting on the federal warrant for the Reno case, the FBI and Douglas County Sheriff's Department arrest Daveggio at a slot machine in the Lakeside Inn and Casino, and Michaud in a hotel room.

1. Daveggio is arrested on the casino floor. Michaud is arrested in a guest room. Key evidence, including the modified curling irons and ball gag, is seized from the van and room.

Michaud's Confession

Michelle Michaud confesses key details of the abduction, torture, and killing of Vanessa Samson during an interview with the FBI, solidifying the murder case against the pair.

Federal Conviction for Kidnapping (Aleda Doe)

Daveggio and Michaud were convicted in federal court in Reno for the kidnapping and assault of Aleda Doe. Michaud received 15 years and Daveggio 25 years before both were transferred for the California murder case.

California Murder Trial and Conviction

The joint California trial of James Daveggio and Michelle Michaud begins in Alameda County. The jury later convicts both defendants of first-degree murder with special circumstances of kidnapping and rape by instrument.

1. The jury convicts both defendants of first-degree murder with special circumstances of kidnapping and rape by instrument, as well as multiple counts of oral copulation.

Death Sentences Imposed

Judge Larry Goodman formally sentences both James Daveggio and Michelle Michaud to death for the kidnapping, sexual torture, and murder of Vanessa Samson.

1. Daveggio is sent to San Quentin State Prison's death row, and Michaud is sent to the Central California Women's Facility.

California Supreme Court Affirms Murder Convictions and Sentences

The California Supreme Court unanimously affirms the convictions and death sentences imposed on Daveggio and Michaud in the Vanessa Samson murder case after their automatic appeals.

Abduction of Vanessa Lei Samson

Daveggio and Michaud abducted 22-year-old college student Vanessa Lei Samson in Pleasanton, forcing her into their green Dodge minivan.

1. Vanessa Samson leaves her residence on Kern Court to walk to her clerical job. Witnesses hear a scream and see the green Dodge Caravan leaving the area.
2. Michaud cashes a $538 welfare check in Sacramento, indicating the van drove east after the abduction.

Assault, Torture, and Murder of Vanessa Samson

After abducting Vanessa Samson, Daveggio and Michaud held her in the rigged minivan, sexually assaulted and tortured her with modified curling irons, and ultimately strangled her with a nylon rope.

1. The couple checks into the Tahoe Sundowner Motel in South Lake Tahoe, while Vanessa is held in the van.
2. The van is seen near Sly Park Recreation Area. Evidence later indicated an envelope in the van stated '# People: 3', confirming Samson's presence.

Body left off Highway 88

After killing Samson, Daveggio and Michaud drove to a remote section of the Sierra Nevada and disposed of her body down a snowy embankment off Highway 88.

1. The couple disposes of the body and returns to the motel.

Recovery of Samson's Body

A passing motorist discovers Vanessa Samson’s body off Highway 88. An autopsy confirms death by ligature strangulation and reveals evidence of sexual torture, with Samson's DNA found on the ball gag and curling irons.

1. The body is found 30 feet down an embankment. Forensic examination later links DNA from the body to evidence found in the van and motel room.

Michaud's Confession

Michelle Michaud confesses key details of the abduction, torture, and killing of Vanessa Samson during an interview with the FBI, solidifying the murder case against the pair.

Abduction and Assault of Aleda Doe (Reno Case)

Aleda Doe, a 20-year-old student, was abducted in the Reno area and sexually assaulted in the minivan before being released. This earlier kidnapping case later helped trigger the couple's arrest.

Federal Arrest Warrant Issued for Daveggio

In an unrelated investigation, a federal warrant was issued for Daveggio's arrest related to the Aleda Doe kidnapping after she identified him from a photo array.

Federal Conviction for Kidnapping (Aleda Doe)

Daveggio and Michaud were convicted in federal court in Reno for the kidnapping and assault of Aleda Doe. Michaud received 15 years and Daveggio 25 years before both were transferred for the California murder case.

Additional Sexual Assaults

Daveggio and Michaud committed additional sexual offenses against Daveggio's minor daughter (April Doe) and her friend (Sharona Doe) in November 1997. Evidence of these assaults later became part of the California prosecution.

Additional Sexual Assaults

Daveggio and Michaud committed additional sexual offenses against Daveggio's minor daughter (April Doe) and her friend (Sharona Doe) in November 1997. Evidence of these assaults later became part of the California prosecution.

Death Sentences Imposed

Judge Larry Goodman formally sentences both James Daveggio and Michelle Michaud to death for the kidnapping, sexual torture, and murder of Vanessa Samson.

1. Daveggio is sent to San Quentin State Prison's death row, and Michaud is sent to the Central California Women's Facility.