The family of slain 12-year-old Mercedez Layne is rejecting claims that police failed to act quickly following her disappearance, insisting that officers devoted significant resources, time and effort to the search from the very beginning.
In a public statement, the family said they witnessed firsthand the extensive work carried out by investigators after Mercedez was reported missing on June 6th.
They said officers from several specialized units, including the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Special Investigations Unit, South Western Division, Cyber Crime and Social Media Unit and CCTV Retrieval Unit, were mobilized within a short time and immediately began searching for the child.
According to the family, investigators worked throughout the night and into the following day, pursuing leads, investigating reported sightings and gathering evidence in the hope of finding Mercedez alive.
The family said the matter was treated as urgent from the outset and praised investigators for keeping them informed as the search progressed.
They also commended ASP Anil Maraj and officers of the Homicide Bureau for their swift response, noting that police did not wait for the discovery of a body before launching an intensive investigation.
The family expressed gratitude to the police service, search and rescue teams, volunteers, community members and members of the public who assisted in the search effort and offered support during the ordeal.
As the case now moves before the courts, the family said they remain confident in the justice system and trust that justice will be served for Mercedez.