Missing New Hampshire Teen's Mom Pleads 'Come Home for Christmas'
Dec. 20, 2013— -- The mother of missing New Hampshire teenager Abigail Hernandez, encouraged by "promising developments," has written an open letter to her daughter pleading with her to "come home for Christmas."
Zenya Hernandez told ABC News she is now positive that her daughter is still alive.
"If Abby comes back, she won't be the 'missing girl.' We can get our lives back to normal,'' her mother told ABC News today. "I would meet her anywhere she needs me to. She needs to know she is not in trouble with anyone. I just love her and want her home safe."
The FBI urged Zenya Hernandez not to reveal details about what she called the "promising developments."
The FBI has been involved in the search for Abigail Hernandez since she disappeared Oct. 9 and has pursued leads using her Facebook page, cell phone, and interviews with anyone in the teen's life.
Investigators helped her mother post a hand-written letter to the teen on the website bringabbyhome.com.
"I thank God every day that you are alive! I miss hearing your voice and your sense of humor. Please let me know what I can do to help you,'' Hernandez wrote in the letter, which included a drawing of a Christmas tree and the plea: "Please come home for Christmas."
Hernandez said she is worried her daughter is being held against her will, but could possibly get away. She wanted Abby to know that if she did make it back to North Conway, she would not be bombarded with police and public scrutiny.
"When I see you, we can start a new life..,'' Zenya Hernandez wrote, "and all this attention will be a thing of the past."
Earlier this month the FBI announced that Abby had sent her mother a letter dated Oct. 22, and postmarked the following day. Zenya Hernandez said she received the letter when she went to pick up mail at a post office box in the neighboring town on Nov. 6, and immediately turned it over to the FBI.
Earlier this month the FBI held a press conference saying Abby's letter raised concerns about her safety and whether she had been abducted. Keirnan Ramsey, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's New Hampshire field office, told reporters that investigators were fearful that the missing teen was being manipulated.
"She could have left willingly,'' Ramsey said. "Someone may now be coercing her…manipulating her."
No matter where her daughter is, Zenya Hernandez said she is praying for only one Christmas gift. "I just want to hug my daughter."
