Katie Beers (20 page)

John Esposito, arrested on kidnapping charges. (Courtesy: Keith Lane)

John Esposito at a news conference in which he sobbed, insisting he had nothing to do with my disappearance. (Courtesy: Newsday)

John Esposito at kidnapping arraignment in Central Islip, New York. (AP Wide World Photos/ Alex Brandon)

That’s me in the middle. Marilyn would buy me a new top for class picture day. I would wear it over and over again and I could hear the kids at school call me, “Dirty Katie” and “Cockroach Kid.” (Suffolk County Crime Lab)

My brother John Beers (Right) and his father Teddy Rodriguez (left). (Courtesy Newsday)

Sal Inhilleri, the husband of my godmother Linda. He is holding a picture of me in the “Blossom” hat. (AP Wide World Photos/Mike Alexander)

Left: Linda Inghilleri, my godmother, center in wheelchair. She left the 4th Precinct in Hauppauge, New York on Wednesday January 13, 1993 without seeing me. In fact, I never saw her again. (AP Wide World Photos/Mike Alexander)

Right: Linda Inghilleri, my godmother. (Courtesy Newsday)

After I was freed: District Attorney James Catterson, right, Assistant District Attorney William Ferris, center. Detective Lieutenant Dominck Varrone, left. They asked the media to “back off.” (AP Wide World Photos)

Marilyn Beers, my mother and Teddy Rodriguez, Little John’s father on right outside a Family Court hearing in Central Islip, New York on January 21, 1993. (AP Wide World Photo/Mike Alexander)

Derek and me at my college graduation, soon to be his wife.

The first member of my biological family to graduate from college. My proud father by my side.

A real life happy ending.