Photo to Replace ‘Ghostly’ Billboard Image

Starting Friday, a blank billboard that drew tens of thousands of onlookers to what they said was the ghostly likeness of a slain 9-year-old Chula Vista girl will feature her picture and a phone number people can call to report any information about her murder.

Crowds at times numbering up to 20,000 have flocked to view the board in Chula Vista since mid-July, when some viewers claimed the play of light and shadow on the blank, white billboard has created the outline of Laura Arroyo, who was snatched from her home and murdered. In an effort to defuse the nightly spectacle, officials from the billboard company turned off the lights July 20, only to have someone turn them on again the next night.

On July 22, the three bulbs that illuminate the board were removed, but someone replaced them a few days later, said Frank Sanchez, general manager of the billboard company, although crowds dwindled to about 40 a night. On Friday, the billboard will be adorned with Laura’s picture and a message saying “In Memory--Laura Arroyo.”