'We're not going to stop looking for you': Oldest sister of missing Ryan Larsen sends message
Police shift focus to the change of seasons , ask farmers and hunters to check fields
Police shift focus to the change of seasons , ask farmers and hunters to check fields
Police shift focus to the change of seasons , ask farmers and hunters to check fields
Christina Latham, 26, said she found out her baby brother disappeared through an Omaha Facebook group, then one of her sisters called shortly after with the unthinkable news.
She admits it's been awhile since she's seen Ryan Larsen, 12, in person. She said they would try to Facetime, but she said he was always doing his own thing and she works odd hours.
"I feel guilty I can't even come home to help find him," said Latham.
She's the oldest of the Larsen siblings and moved from Omaha four years ago to Colorado, where she works as a hospital security guard. She said she's an essential worker and couldn't help with the search due to the pandemic.
"He's just gone. How does that happen?" she asked.
Latham said Ryan loves being an uncle to her daughters and her third baby is waiting to meet him. But she's doubtful that will ever happen. She said he can't survive this long without his medication.
"I look at her and he's never going to get that chance hold her and be a loving uncle to her," she said.
Ryan, who has autism, was last seen May 17, when he left La Vista West Elementary school around noon. He was spotted on surveillance video about 90 minutes later at the Southfield Apartment Complex, where he lives with his mother.
La Vista Police haven't given up their search and said Thursday, the change of seasons could bring new clues.
"We need a break in this case," said Chief Bob Lausten.
Lausten said they're still combing through video from areas outside the original search zone. He also said with harvest season, he wants farmers and hunters to check fields.
"At first we focused on bodies of water, now we are moving into the fall with the crops and the hunters," Lausten said. "Worst case scenario, he may be found that way, we just don't know."
Latham believes someone hurt her brother.
"A little boy does not outsmart the FBI, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the local police, for well over three months," she said. "I pray to God that I'm wrong, I really do."
And if she is wrong and he's still out there, she sends this message of hope.
"Ryan, we love you very much and we're not going to stop looking for you. We won't. We love you," Latham said.
Lausten said the FBI interviewed Latham and the rest of the family.