Chelsea King’s disappearance a decade ago gripped the region. The 17-year-old had gone for an after-school run around Lake Hodges in North County. There, she ran into a rapist and killer.
Within months, the college-bound runner who loved sunflowers became the name of legislation targeting sex predators who target children. She became the inspiration behind an annual run. She also became the face of a foundation that has awarded $800,000 in college scholarships.
And on Tuesday, the 10th anniversary of her kidnapping, rape and murder, Chelsea’s father has announced he will launch Protect the Joy, which he said will be a national advocacy organization to address issues that affect children, including sexual assault, gun violence, opioid abuse or cyber-bullying.