Through tears and trembling, the parents of Isabel Mercedes Celis pleaded today for her safe return. Dressed in the white T-shirts worn by volunteers, both wore rosaries.
Becky Celis read from a piece of paper, asking the community to keep its focus on finding her daughter.
“Tell us your demands,” Isabel’s father, Sergio, said moments later. “Tell us what you want.”
He then made an emotional statement directly to the missing 6-year-old: “We will never give up looking for you.”
He also said the family was cooperating with police and plans to increase the amount of the reward money.
The entire statement lasted some five minutes and was made in English and Spanish.
The parents were surrounded by volunteers in white T-shirts with “Bring Isa Home” written on the front and a photo of Isabel on the back.
Police escorted them away after their statements.
Isabel’s family had only issued one written statement since her disappearance, to thank volunteers for their support in trying to find Isabel.
The family has told police the last time the first-grader was seen was in her bedroom Friday night.
Police have labeled Isabel’s case a suspicious disappearance and possible abduction.
