Brooklyn, Iowa — The family of slain college student Mollie Tibbetts released a statement Wednesday asking for privacy in their time of grief.
The statement came as part of a press release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety, which reads as follows:
Mollie Tibbetts disappeared on July 18, 2018, while jogging in or near Brooklyn, Iowa. After more than a month of searching, investigators located her body in a farm field in rural Poweshiek County on August 21, 2018. An autopsy is being conducted, but results will not be available immediately. Charges were filed against Cristhian Bahena Rivera, who will appear in Poweshiek County District Court at 1:00 p.m. on August 22, 2018.
The family of Mollie Tibbetts has asked that this information be conveyed to members of the media and the public:
Our hearts are broken.
On behalf of Mollie’s entire family, we thank all of those from around the world who have sent their thoughts and prayers for our girl. We know that many of you will join us as we continue to carry Mollie in our hearts forever.
At this time, our family asks that we be allowed the time to process our devastating loss and share our grief in private.
Again, thank you for the outpouring of love and support that has been shared in Mollie’s name. We remain forever grateful.
The DPS says that no additional press conferences are scheduled at this time.
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2nd Update posted 4:55pm, August 21, 2018
Brooklyn, Iowa — At a late Tuesday afternoon press conference, law enforcement authorities confirmed that a body located by law enforcement early Tuesday morning was, in fact, that of Mollie Tibbetts, the 20-year old college student who disappeared from her small hometown just over a month ago.
Authorities say a surveillance video was the key to breaking the case. Officials say they do have a suspect in the case, and say 24-year old Cristhian Rivera led them to the corn field where Tibbetts’ body was recovered. Officials say Rivera is in the United States illegally.
DCI officials say there is an autopsy scheduled for Wednesday, but cautioned reporters that it could be several weeks before complete autopsy results are available.
The discovery of Mollie Tibbetts body brings a heartbreaking conclusion to the search for her that has been in progress since she disappeared July 18th.
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1st Update posted at 9:35am August 21, 2018
Brooklyn, Iowa — According to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, earlier Tuesday a body was located by law enforcement authorities in rural Poweshiek County. The DCI says investigators are working to confirm the identity, and will not be releasing any further information until a Press Conference that is now scheduled for 4:00 this (Tuesday) afternoon.
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Original story posted at 9:27 am, August 21, 2018
Brooklyn, Iowa — (Radio Iowa) — Reports say a body has been found which authorities believe is that of 20-year-old University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts.
CBS and Fox News say sources confirm the body was found in Iowa, but there are no details about where or when. Tibbets is from Brooklyn, Iowa, and was last seen there on July 18th. The case has drawn national attention. The reward fund had reached 385-thousand dollars. The state D-C-I will reportedly hold a news conference at 5 o’clock this afternoon in Montezuma.
