A day after her body was found in a cornfield in Iowa the family of University of Iowa student the family of Mollie Tibbetts has released this statement:
"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."
24 year old Cristhian Rivera is charged with first degree murder in Mollie’s death. Investigators say Rivera is an illegal immigrant who has lived in the area for four to seven years.