FBI probing death of abducted 2-year-old girl, father

Authorities are trying determine the cause and time of death of 2-year-old Madeline Samaan-Fay and her father, whose bodies were found in a remote area of El Dorado County on Saturday.

The FBI told reporters in Somerset, Calif., north of Sacramento, that they could be at the scene through the weekend trying to piece together what happened and trace the pair's last days.

The kidnapping of Madeline prompted a statewide Amber Alert. Authorities believed she was snatched by her father, Mourad Samaan, after he learned his ex-wife had gained full custody of the girl.

They were apparently found inside Samaan's SUV.

According to Fox 40 San Diego, Madeline was abducted last Sunday but because of rules involving abductions by parents, an Amber Alert was not issued until Friday.

At that point, officials said they came to fear for the girl's life.

They were last seen Aug. 7 on a store videotape.

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-- Shelby Grad

Photo: Madeline in family photo.  Credit: Fox 40 Sacramento.