Massive search underway for abducted teen in Iowa Kathlynn Shepard 5/20/13 BODY FOUND

[grace-land]

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/06/16/dezi-hughes-family-live-one-day-at-a-time/article

Dezi Hughes, family live ‘one day at a time’
1:23 PM, Jun 16, 2013

Dezi Hughes and her family are living “one day at a time,” her father said at a fundraiser for the family in Dayton on Sunday.

James Hughes, Dezi’s father, said the Dayton community “has been spectacular.” He mentioned the support has reached outside of Dayton, including to Rockwell City, where he lives.

“I really appreciate it,” Dezi Hughes said about the support she has received.

Jeanette Andrews, Dezi’s mother, also said the support from the Dayton community has been “overwhelming,” especially since the family just moved to the town in August.

“It’s amazing to see how many people care about her,” Andrews said. “Hopefully this may help show her how important what she did was.”

Dezi and Kathlynn Shepard were reportedly abducted by Michael Klunder on May 20. Klunder took the girls to a hog confinement facility where he worked.

Hughes was able to escape, but Shepard remained missing. Police found Klunder dead on May 20 after he apparently hanged himself.

After weeks of searching for Shepard, her body was found in the Des Moines River under the Kate Shelley Bridge near Boone on June 7.

Andrews said Dezi has been relatively quiet on her feelings toward what happened on May 20 and the events that followed.

“[Dezi] hasn’t really told us much,” Andrews said.

Andrews said Dezi has seen a counselor twice, with the counselor recommending Dezi have weekly counseling.

Dezi has been expressing most of her feelings in a diary she received after the incident, Andrews said.
 

[Sister]

I hope Dezi continues to get counseling.  How this has impacted this precious child will not be revealed, even to her, for years to come.  I feel such sadness for her and just pray she can learn to cope in a healthy way.

[grace-land]

I hope Dezi continues to get counseling.  How this has impacted this precious child will not be revealed, even to her, for years to come.  I feel such sadness for her and just pray she can learn to cope in a healthy way.

 

Dezi has been extremely traumatized by the incident; and the fact that she survived and her friend didn't, guilt will also be a part of the healing process.  imo  Hopefully, in addition to counseling, her family and friends continue to support her for as long as she needs it.

[grace-land]

http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/568287/Shepard-s-family-to-join-with-Chelsea-s-Foundation.html?nav=5010

Shepard’s family to join with Chelsea’s Foundation
July 6, 2013

DAYTON - Standing near the Tree of Hope Saturday afternoon, Michael Shepard, the father of Kathlynn Shepard, announced that the family will be joining the effort of a California-based organization to work for the passage of a new law that they hope will prevent future tragedies like their own.

Kathlyn Shepard, 15, was killed on May 20 after being abducted on her way home from school. A 12-year-old with her escaped.

The Shepards will be partnering with Chelsea's Light Foundation.

"We as a family want to provide our children of Iowa with a safe environment free from predators such as the coward that took Kathlynn," he said.

The law they are supporting is based on a California law known as Chelsea's Law. It was passed after the abduction and murder of Chelsea King, 17, of San Diego.

She was killed by a convicted sex offender.

Her father, Brent King, stood with Shepard Saturday as he spoke.