Sister of Missing California Mom Found Alive Says Papini Family Is 'Overwhelmed With Joy'
— -- The sister of the California woman who went missing in the beginning of November and then was found safe on Thursday read a statement on behalf of the family tonight.
"We are overwhelmed with joy at how supportive everyone has been in bringing our family together at this time," Sheila Koester said, speaking on behalf of Sherri and Keith Papini.
Koester went on to say that the family is thankful to all those who helped in the search for Sherri Papini.
"Everyone’s tireless efforts [have] made our family whole again this Thanksgiving," Koester said. "Thank you for allowing our family time to heal and for giving us our privacy. Your help in keeping this alive through social media and national news was an intricate part in bringing her home to us. We cannot thank you enough."
Sherri Papini, 34, was reported missing on Nov. 2, 2016, after she went for a run in the afternoon and didn't return home. She had last been seen jogging alone on Sunrise Drive in Redding, California, according to a poster that was distributed in the search effort. The mother of two young children, Sherri Papini was described by her family as a "super mom."
"We are very ecstatic to report that Sherri Papini has been located and has been reunited with husband and family on this day of Thanksgiving," Sheriff Tom Bosenko said at a news conference yesterday. "I am happy to say that Sherri is now safe and that she has been treated at an area hospital outside of Shasta County for non-life-threatening injuries."
He did not specify the nature of her injuries.
Bosenko said that Sherri Papini was released early on Thanksgiving morning by her captor or captors on a rural road in Yolo County, about 150 miles from her home. "She was bound with restraints but was able to summon help from a passing motorist," he said.
The sheriff said that the case is still an active investigation and that authorities are “looking for a dark-colored SUV with two Hispanic females armed with a handgun.”
Bosenko said today that authorities will re-interview Sherri Papini once she has had a bit of time to "decompress." He added that there is no known motive for Sherri Papini's alleged abduction at this time and that authorities are focused on moving the investigation forward.
