Returning to Echo Park, Jessica Greeted With Cheers, Prayers and Some Lessons

One week after being abducted from Echo Park, Jessica Cortez returned Sunday to a joyous greeting by hundreds of well-wishers.

They gave the 4-year-old talking dolls and stuffed animals. They lined up to plant kisses on her cheek. And some children couldn’t wait to ride the swings with her again.

“Ella es mi amiguita,” said 3-year-old Yareth Leon. “She’s my little friend. I’m glad she’s back.”

Jessica allegedly was kidnapped from the park by Patricia Cornejo, a South Los Angeles mother of four.

Cornejo allegedly held her for two days before being reported to police by workers at a medical clinic.

Cornejo, 34, has been charged with kidnapping, and her motive remains unknown, authorities said.

Jessica appeared to have been unharmed, but her curls were cut. So one of the first things her parents did when she was returned was to give her a new haircut.

Did she like it?

“No!” yelled Jessica, smiling, as cameras rolled during one of several interviews for television news crews.

Jessica lifted the crowd’s spirits with more mischief and affection. Wearing a blue-and-white striped dress, she waved and blew kisses, and tousled her 5-year-old brother’s hair in front of the cameras.

Jessica’s parents, taco vendors at the park, thanked the police and the media several times for helping with the citywide search.

Jessica echoed their sentiments.

“I want to say that I love everybody,” she said in Spanish.

The event, attended by police and civic leaders, included prayers, speeches and lessons for children on how to avoid abductions.

Parents were pleased to hear that police would be increasing patrols in the park, but said Jessica’s abduction had taught them to be more wary of strangers.

Still, the feeling was one of relief, and thanks.

“There has been so much bad news recently regarding child abductions, and it just warmed everyone’s heart that she is safe,” said LAPD Dep. Police Chief Margaret York.

“And you can see from her personality that she hasn’t been traumatized.”