Hope, Mystery Surround Missing Student Case One Year Later

May 24, 2005 — -- Various "persons of interest" have been dismissed and little progress has been made in the year that has passed since Brigham Young University student Brooke Wilberger disappeared. However, Wilberger's relatives remain hopeful, though resigned, to whatever outcome lies ahead in the search for their missing loved one.

"We would like to thank all those who continue to support Brooke and her family. Many continue to think and pray and hope for her return," Wilberger's parents, Greg and Cammy, and her family said in a written statement released Sunday. "We have received much strength from your support and encouragement. We all miss Brooke's happy spirit. It has been a long year and we have had to learn to be patient and trust in God. We hope she is able to come home but we will accept whatever the outcome."

One year ago today, Wilberger disappeared from the Corvallis, Ore., apartment complex her sister manages. Police say Wilberger, 19 at the time, was last seen May 24, 2004, as she was helping with some cleaning chores. Authorities believed Wilberger's disappearance was suspicious because her cleaning supplies were left behind, her flip-flops were found in the complex parking lot, and her cell phone and other personal items were left behind in her sister's apartment.

Hundreds of volunteers have helped in the search for Wilberger and held several prayer vigils for her safe return. Wilberger's story has generated national headlines, as her case was featured on "America's Most Wanted." The family of Elizabath Smart, the Utah girl whose 2002 kidnapping and safe recovery nearly a year later, contacted the Wilbergers to give them support and advice.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent retired investigators to help local authorities with the search and released four computer-generated photos showing how she might look with various hair lengths and styles. A "Find Brooke" Web site (www.findbrooke.com) was set up to help in the search and the Wilbergers had pink bracelets with the address of the Web site and national hotline tip number made to increase awareness of the case.