Stalbaum family thanks community for concern, prayers

GENESEE (WITI) -- The Stalbaum family gathered with investigators outside a Genesee home on Saturday, November 9th to thank the people of southeastern Wisconsin for their concern and prayers while 15-year-old Kathryn was missing.

Authorities, along with the family, are still working to piece together the entire incident.

"We need to give Kathryn, the family and the detectives the time to process the events of the last four days," said Eric Severson of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department. "We were overwhelmed by the amount of love the community demonstrated during this time. We would also like the community to understand that the healing process has just begun and will be ongoing."

The teen disappeared early Tuesday morning, November 5th after missing the bus and texting a friend to say she was riding her bike to school. Stalbaum's bicycle was found several miles away in the yard of a Waukesha home.

On Friday night, Stalbaum was found with Chicago police -- and reunited with her family just after midnight on Saturday. Investigators did not reveal how Stalbaum got to Chicago, but they say she left home alone and was found alone.

"The family is grateful to be together again and we all share the relief the community has in Kathryn's safe return," said Severson. "As we move forward, we ask people in the community to remain sensitive of the fragile events that occurred over the previous four days."

Investigators say they have not had a chance to conduct and in-depth interview with Stalbaum -- they would like to ease her back into her daily life and let her speak when she is ready.