Left: Kamelia, circa 1999;
Right: Age-progression to age 14 (circa 2010)
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance
Missing Since: December 20, 1999 from Palmdale, California Classification: Family Abduction Date Of Birth: January 7, 1997 Age: 2 years old Height and Weight: 3'0, 36 - 45 pounds Distinguishing Characteristics: Biracial female. Black/brown hair, brown eyes.
Details of Disappearance
Kamelia was last seen at an amusement park or carnival in Palmdale, California on December 20, 1999. She was in foster care at the time of her disappearance. She was abducted by her non-custodial father, Derek Spencer, and her non-custodial grandmother, Helen Barbara Gruning, during a supervised visit. Photographs and vital statistics for the abductors are posted below this case summary. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warrants for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution were issued for both of them on October 27, 2000.Kamelia, Derek, and Gruning may be in Las Vegas, Nevada, or they may have left the United States. They may be accompanied by another adult female. The abductors are considered to be armed and dangerous. Caution is advised when approaching them. Kamelia's case remains unsolved.
Derek Spencer
Above Images: Derek Spencer
Date of Birth: July 16, 1972
Age: 27 years old
Height and Weight: 5'8 - 6'1, 160 - 180 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian male. Sandy brown hair, green eyes. Derek has his first name tattooed on his forearm or left shoulder. He may use the last name Gruning.
Helen Barbara Gruning
Above: Helen Barbara Gruning
Date of Birth: April 24, 1947
Age: 52 years old
Height and Weight: 5'5, 105 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian female. Red hair, green eyes. Gruning often wears wigs.
Investigating Agency
Source Information
Updated 5 times since October 12, 2004.
Last updated March 8, 2011; age-progression updated.
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Los Angeles Police Department
323-890-5500
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Child Search Ministries
Los Angeles County Missing Children
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
California District Attorney's Office