Search for Kayla Wilkins ends in Pinellas County, Fla.
The search for Kayla Wilkins ended Feb. 26 at 1:28 a.m. “We got a good call this morning,” said Meade County Sheriff Butch Kerrick. Kayla Wilkins, 17, and Cory Whitaker, 19, were found in an apartment in Pinellas County, Fla. Both were safe and sound. The two had been missing since Jan. 18. Kayla’s parents were concerned she had been coerced into going with Whitaker and swore out a complaint of custodial interference against him. Cory Whitaker was taken into custody and lodged in the Pinellas County Jail, charged with custodial interference, a Class D felony. According to Kerrick Whitaker waived extradition Monday morning, and the process will begin for the Meade County Sheriff’s office to go get him and return him to Meade County. Kayla Wilkins was listed as a runaway as well as missing. She was taken into custody and held in the Pinellas County Juvenile Assessment Center until her parents arrive. There are no charges pending against her. On Monday morning, her parents were en route to pick her up. “We’re on our way right now,” said Missy Wilkins from her cell phone as she and her husband traveled I-65 toward a reunion with their daughter. “We’re just extremely glad to finally find out where she is and that’s she’s safe,” said Mrs. Wilkins. “It gives us some peace of mind as to that. We’ll just work with the rest of it as we go. We haven’t even had time to stop and think about anything.” Community members have been supportive of the Wilkins family throughout this ordeal. “We do really appreciate everything that everybody has done to help us,” said Mrs. Wilkins. “Words can’t express how thankful we are for everyone who pitched in to help,” she said. The fear of not knowing if their daughter was safe has now passed, but there are other hurdles ahead for the family. “It’ll probably be a little bit rocky at first, but that’s okay. We’ll get through it. I believe from here on out, it will just get better. That’s what we’re hoping and praying for,” said Mrs. Wilkins. “The important part is that she’s safe.”
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By SANDRA STONE