Mollie Tibbetts’ Family Releases Statement: ‘Our Hearts Are Broken’

The family of Mollie Tibbetts, who was found dead in a field this week, released a statement Wednesday after the University of Iowa student’s alleged killer was arrested. “Our hearts are broken. On behalf of Mollie’s entire family, we thank all of those from around the world who have sent their thoughts and prayers for our girl,” they wrote. “We know that many of you will join us as we continue to carry Mollie in our hearts forever.” The family also asked for “time to process [their] devastating loss,” and said they remain “forever grateful” for the outpouring of support they’ve received since Tibbetts went missing. Tibbetts’ brother Scott also tweeted out his sister’s favorite quote Wednesday: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” “Be somebody’s light today,” he added. This comes after 24-year-old Cristhian Bahena Rivera, an undocumented immigrant, was arrested for first-degree murder on Tuesday.