Media coverage of this case was unprecedented for San Diego. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Deputy District Attorney Kristen Spieler speak to reporters after Gardner's arraignment. (Photo by Steve Silva)
Sheriff's Detective Mark Palmer points to the spot in Pala where Gardner led authorities to find Amber's remains. (Author photo)
Detectives and forensic investigators quietly set up a tent above the burial site to process the scene. (Courtesy of KGTV and McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Co.)
Meanwhile, another search crew combed through reeds in Kit Carson Park, pursuing a tip that Amber's remains could be in the lake. (Author photo)
Amber's parents, Carrie McGonigle and Maurice “Moe” Dubois, were grief-stricken as Escondido police announced that Amber's remains had been identified. (Courtesy of KFMB-TV News 8)
The 6,000 attendees at Chelsea's memorial service on March 13, 2010 held sunflowers, Chelsea's favorite bloom, which became an icon synonymous with her sunny spirit. (Courtesy of KFMB-TV News 8)
Two weeks later, hundreds came out for Amber's memorial, featuring farm animals and a video montage of Amber with family and friends. (Courtesy of KFMB-TV News 8)
On April 16, 2010, Dumanis announced a plea deal with Gardner for a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. (Photo by Steve Silva)
Carrie McGonigle (left) confronted Cathy Osborn (center) in front of the jail, trying to get visiting time to question Gardner about Amber's murder. (Courtesy of KFMB-TV News 8)
Brent and Kelly King and Candice Moncayo (above) blast Gardner at his sentencing hearing. (Pool photos by The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Gardner's immediate anger at Moncayo's last remark flashed across his face like a serpent. (Courtesy of KGTV and McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Co.)