Clues in missing teen case found

Authorities have found a discarded license plate and motorcycle helmet believed to belong to John Steven Burgess, a convicted sex offender wanted for questioning in the disappearance of a Rancho Santa Margarita honor student.

Donna Haghighat Jou, 19, was last seen June 23 at a party at Burgess’ Los Angeles home.

On Sunday, a black plastic toolbox was found about 1 1/2 miles from Burgess’ house by a passerby near Dunleer Drive and Northvale Road in Los Angeles.

“Inside the toolbox were the license plate to his truck, a black motorcycle helmet and some other items that may be linked to the case, but at this point in the investigation, we can’t disclose what they are,” said Orange County Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino.

Investigators believe that Burgess, 35, picked up Jou on his motorcycle near the apartment she shares with her mother. She had told family members she was going on a date.

The pair apparently met online.

Jou has not been seen since the party at Burgess’ house.

Amormino said Burgess “was seen a couple days afterward at the house, and then he basically vanished. It has been highly suspicious.” No recent cellphone activity or ATM transactions by Jou have been reported, he said.

“The more time that goes by, the likelihood she has been a victim of crime play certainly increases,” Amormino said.