Statement by Congresswoman Waters on Mitrice Richardson

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) offered the following statement today upon the discovery and identification of Mitrice Richardson:

"I am deeply saddened to learn that the remains recovered in Malibu Canyon belonged to Mitrice Richardson, a young woman who had been missing for nearly a year.  My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with her mother Latice Sutton, remaining family, and friends, as they finally have the opportunity to grieve the loss of their beloved Mitrice.   I also want to commend the numerous volunteers who remained steadfast and committed to learning the facts surrounding Mitrice's disappearance on September 17, 2009. 

While this grim discovery concludes one chapter, lingering questions remain regarding the manner in which Mitrice was released from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station, and the quality of the investigation that took place following her disappearance.  Despite the number of searches that occurred over the past year, Mitrice's remains were discovered this week mere miles from where one eye-witness reportedly last saw her the night she mysteriously vanished.   Notwithstanding today's announcement, the family will not have absolute closure until they know all the facts concerning Mitrice's detention and release. 

While I am pleased with the level of attention this case has garnered from the national press, I do hope they remain equally as engaged in now helping us uncover how Mitrice spent her final moments.
 
I remain committed to ensuring that the local authorities followed proper procedures, and that no federal statutes were violated during the course of this tragic case."

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