Thursday 3PM Update: Parents of Missing Girl: God Will Bring The Girls Home Safe

KCRG/Gazette/Courier Staff Reports

Drew Collins and Heather Collins parents of missing child Elizabeth Collins, 8, talk about the community support they received since their daughter, Elizabeth and niece, Lyric Cook-Morrissey went missing 13 days ago, during an interview Thursday, July 26, 2012, in Evansdale, Iowa. The girls went missing after they went for a bike ride in Evansdale. Their bikes were found near Meyers Lake. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 26, 2012 at 2:05 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 31, 2012 at 5:15 PM CDT

EVANSDALE, Iowa - It's been nearly two weeks since Drew and Heather Collins last saw their daughter, but the couple isn't giving up hope Elizabeth will be home soon.

And the Evansdale couple prays no one else will either.

"We're keeping our faith in God He will bring her home safe," Heather said during an interview with The Courier today.

The Collinses, of Evansdale, said they are confident authorities are doing everything possible to find Elizabeth, 8, and her 10-year-old cousin Lyric Cook-Morrissey of Waterloo. The girls went missing July 13.

Initially, authorities classified the disappearance as a missing-persons case, but now consider it an abduction. The girls went for a bike ride from the Collins home a little before noon on July 13 and never returned.

The bikes and Elizabeth's purse were found on the southeast corner of Meyers Lake on and by the nature trail, but authorities have no clues to there whereabouts.

"They've got leads. They're tracking leads. They're leaving no stone unturned," Drew said.

"We're very happy. We can't say any unkind thing," Heather added about the investigation.

Until the girls come home, the couple said they're relying on their faith in God and each other to get through each day.

The couple said life will forever be different, but it doesn't stop. After all, they have three other children to care for --- Kelly, 12; Amber, 6 and Callie, 4.

Heather said the kids miss their sister terribly and pray for her safe return, along with their cousin. Like typical siblings, the kids laughed, played and bugged each other.

Now, their bond is stronger than ever.

"Amber keeps praying that whoever has them to bring them home," Heather said. "We stick together as a family."

Video


The Life & Love of Elizabeth Collins Celebration


Parents of Elizabeth Collins Speak to the Media on 12/13


Authorities Confident Remains Belong to Missing Girls


Authorities Announce Discovery of Two Bodies

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Tip Line

Authorities are asking anyone who has any information on the case to call the tip line, at 319-232-6682 or send an e-mail to ourmissingiowagirls@dps.state.ia.us.

A reward of $150,000 has been established for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.



Timeline

Friday, July 13, 2012
  • 2:48PM Cousins Lyric Cook & Elizabeth Collins are reported missing      
  • 2:50PM Law enforcement begin searching the girls
  • 4PM Firefighters find the girls’ bike at Meyers Lake
  • 4:30PM Search of Meyers Lake begins
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Updates in the Case

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