Watch CBS News

Mother Of Missing D.C. Girl Speaking Out About Her Disappearance

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- Relisha Rudd's mother breaks down as hundreds of strangers criticize her action over the two months her daughter's been missing. The mystery of what happened to the child is still unsolved.

Meghan McCorkell has the growing questions.

Next week marks two months since 8-year-old Relisha Rudd disappeared. Some are still holding out hope she will be found alive.

"First of all, can't nobody put their feet in my shoes. Don't nobody know what's going through my mind and what's running through my head," Relisha's mother, Shamika Young, said.

Young is speaking out about the disappearance of her daughter. Relisha Rudd, 8, has been missing since March 1. She was last seen with Kahlil Tatum, a janitor at the homeless shelter where her family lived.

Weeks later, police found Tatum's body in Kenilworth Park--dead from an apparent suicide. The little girl is still missing.

Her mother has faced criticism for giving police conflicting information and stalling social workers who wanted to put out an Amber Alert.

"You're talking about your first born child being missing," Young said. "Let me just say this to you, ma'am--I have other three kids I have to stay strong for, too."

Young is speaking out on an Internet radio show created by Keith Warren called "Finding Relisha Rudd."

"I mean, I have a big feeling that she's still alive. I mean, I don't have that cold chill," said Warren.

Police are now calling the search for Relisha Rudd a "recovery mission." Her mother believes she is alive.

"I keep having these dreams of my daughter reaching for me and I can't get her. How do you think I feel about that?" Young said.

Police say tips are still coming in.

Relisha was not reported missing until three weeks after she disappeared.

Police believe Kahlil Tatum murdered his wife before killing himself.

Other Local News:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.