Memorial for Amber Dubois planned for March 27

A March 27 public memorial is planned for Amber Dubois in Escondido High School’s stadium.

The body of the 14-year-old girl, who was last seen walking to school on Feb. 13, 2009, was found March 6 about three miles north of state Route 76 near the Pala Casino.

A cause of death has not been established, but 30-year-old John Albert Gardner III, who has been charged in the slaying of 17-year-old Chelsea King, is being investigated in connection with her disappearance and death.

Amber is expected to be buried during a private ceremony in Escondido on March 26.

More than 5,000 people filled Poway High School’s stadium for a memorial tribute to Chelsea yesterday. Among the crowd were Amber’s parents, Moe Dubois and Carrie McGonigle.

Chelsea, a straight-A student and cross-country runner, disappeared Feb. 25 during an after-school run in Rancho Bernardo Community Park, and her body was found March 2 in a shallow grave on the banks of Lake Hodges.

Gardner, a convicted sex offender, has pleaded not guilty to charges of raping and killing her. Investigators said they recovered Gardner’s DNA from Chelsea’s underwear.