CNN iReport

A prayer service was held for Mitrice Richardson at the New Testament Church in Los Angeles, California. Family and friends attended this moving service, led by Pastor Robert Hendricks. It's been 8 weeks since Mitrice was released from the Malibu Sheriffs Dept. and she has not been seen since. Volunteers have continued to follow leads and conduct searches; Skid Row to Malibu, Hollywood to Santa Monica, throughout all areas of Los Angeles, and still no conclusive leads. Hopes rise, with every bit of information given, only to fall short and disappointment takes it's place. The prayer service was held to help the family continue on this journey which sometimes seems endless. Her family and friends feel the devastation... the despair. Truly beautiful people. Mitriceʼs Aunt Lauren Sutton and Latice, Mitrices Mother, shine with the light of hope.Their gratitude endless for all the prayers, support and volunteers.Although in pain, they continually offer smiles and love to all present.

The update I offer today is one of disappointment; there are still too many unanswered questions about the night she was released and the nights that follow. Days have turned into weeks and weeks have turned into months and the family still awaits answers. A petition is being signed to elicit the help of the FBI. Investigation on the conduct of the Malibu Sheriffs dept. is being considered. The city of Malibu is offering a $15000 reward for any information leading to finding Mitrice. The only phone calls Mitrice made that night were to her grandmother. Slowly the family is gaining information, painfully slow.

Dr. Ronda Hampton is the first person on the video that I spoke with. Mitrice was an intern at her private practice when she was getting her degree in psychology. Mitrice was set to begin her doctoral program. Ronda was her mentor and cares deeply for Mitrice. A truly amazing woman, she has put much aside these last 8 weeks to be at the side of Mitriceʼs Family. Ronda said her young daughter is excited for Mitrice to come home to once again paint her face at the family Christmas party.

I also spoke with Latice. Her fragile, gaunt appearance reflects her inability to sleep and eat. The change so apparent from weeks ago when we spoke. How does one exist when your child is unprotected, when her whereabouts unknown? How can life continue on... but it must. So Latice picks herself up and tries to move through her day, keeping hope alive with every breathe. With the holidays swiftly approaching..... this Mother's Prayer... Please end the anguish and bring Mitrice home.

Link to updates WWW.FINDMITRICE.INFO

You also can go to this link to sign the petition.

A special thanks to Chip Kroft for his continual support and work on this case.