Brother speaks out about missing 16-year-old sister
Family and law enforcement fear she's with fugitive accused of sex with a minor
Reporter: Marcelino Benito
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - It is 9OYS policy not to report on the names of child victims of possible sex crimes. But in the case of a missing 16 year old, who may have run off with a former Altar Valley wrestling coach, KGUN 9 is making an exception. And that's because her family is asking us to. Tomorrow will mark 2 weeks since anyone saw Brooke White and given who she is suspected of being with, her family and law enforcement fear the worst.
Blake White is Brooke's brother. He's always been there for his sister, but now the protective older brother is forced to sit back and wait.
"It's really hard knowing she's been missing for two weeks and my sister who has never had to take care of herself is out there alone," White said.
Brooke is believed to be with Todd Hezlitt, wanted for sexual conduct with a minor. Although the Pima County Sheriff's Department believes she went willingly, the family fears for her safety.
"Do you believe she's in real danger?" asked 9OYS reporter Marcelino Benito. "Absolutely. By now everyone's googled him and they've seen the videos."
Online videos show a darker side to Hezlitt. He's seen with an armed border vigilante group. The family fears he may get violent with Brooke as law enforcement closes in.
"He's got a very naive 16-year-old with him," White said. "And we can imagine he's very desperate to not face what is coming at him."
This week was especially emotional for the White family. Brooke turned 16 on Monday. The White's forced to celebrate her birthday without her. All they could do was look at pictures and wonder what really happened. White says not knowing is the hardest part.
"It's a lot of what ifs," he said. "Did she really runaway? Did something else happen? These are all questions we can't have answered until we have her home."
Until the White family gets those answers, Brooke's brother has a message for his little sister.
"Brooke none of this is going to change anything, we still love you unconditionally," he said.
If you have any information about Brooke or Todd Hezlitt call 911, 88-Crime, or the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
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