Its been one week since the search in Discovery Park for missing UW student Marizela Perez. Her family brought in dog teams from K-9 Kampus and spent last Wednesday searching for the 18 year old in the park. Perez has been missing since March 5.
Magnolia Voice spoke exclusively with the head of the dog teams from Arkansas to get an update on their search efforts. Melanie Helmick, K-9 Kampus owner, spoke to us with full permission of the Perez family.
She revealed that the dogs found nothing in relation to the disappearance of Perez when they searched Discovery Park. Helmick says the family has searched other parks in the area, including Cowen and Ravenna, and they brought the dogs to search Discovery Park to eliminate it as as a possibility.
There have been media reports that Perez may have been suicidal but her family says they have no reason to believe that is the case. The family also wanted to express their gratitude to Seattle Parks for their cooperation in the search.
If anyone has any information on this case, the family urges them to call 1-855-FINDMARIZEL or visit the website.
Thanks to Steven Smalley for this interview and photographs.