Runaway’s mom concerned for her safety
Her daughter has left home before, but this time Dorla Matura is really worried, not only because of the length of time, but because of the recent abductions and murders of girls Karen Williams’ age. Today Matura told News Five why she thinks her daughter ran away and appealed to the girl to come home, and come home now.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
14 year old Karen Williams remains missing after she left her home four days ago to visit a friend who lives nearby. On Monday, the Standard 6 student of St. John Vianney School had asked permission to go and visit her friend after classes, but was told she could not go.
Dorla Matura, Mother
“Well I had said that it was the friend’s house she had gone, because she asked me and I said, “No, Karen don’t go. Stay home and wash up because you drift about too much.” And I said too much thing is happening and I said the way how things are happening now with children getting killed and I said I don’t know what I would do if anything would happen to you.”
The only clue about Karen’s disappearance, came in the form of a phone call to KREM Radio station this morning. Matura said she heard when a woman told the announcer that she should not worry because her daughter is safe.
Dorla Matura
“This morning I only hear when the lady phoned and tell the man, tell the lady not to worry about her little girl, cause she will come home. She said to tell her not to worry because she will come home, she said tell her not to worry she will come home sometime this weekend. Then the man told her it is not that, the lady wants her girl home, only so she will stop worry and the phone cut right off.”
It is not the first time that Karen has left home. Matura believes her daughter goes away because she wants to escape from the depressing conditions in their one-room shack.
Dorla Matura
“She wants to go out when she wants and come in when she ready and I told her Karen you are a little girl you are going to school. Sometimes on Saturday, I would send her to my daughter in Corozal, she and her brother. When she goes, she does not come back for school, she stays away. I have to go for her. Cause when she comes, she come and sit down and cry and say mommy watch this house we have, it is small it is broken up, we get wet up in here and I said Karen I can’t do better I am trying but I am not getting help.”
Matura is pleading with her daughter to just come home. She is also asking whoever may be holding Karen, or letting her stay with them to send her home.
Dorla Matura
“I just want Karen to come home. Just be safe, no harm and I won’t lash her. I just want to talk to her and talk about what is on her mind and let her heart be safe and cool and no kind of problem, because I love all my children. I love all of them.”
“If she know she has my little girl, she should bring her back. She should not let me be like this because I am not eating, I am not drinking, I am not resting because I want my little girl.”
Karen if you are watching this newscast tonight, please go home or get in touch with your mother. She needs to hear your voice and know that you are safe.
Police say they are fully investigating all reports of missing children and teens because of the child murders. They urge parents to report any runaway situation or possible abduction as soon as they realize the child is gone.
