Major Police Search Planned for Mitrice Richardson

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department are joining forces this weekend in a major field search for Mitrice Richardson, the 24-year-old lesbian who disappeared in September after being released from the Malibu sheriff's station in the middle of the night.

Richardson was arrested for allegedly failing to cover her bill at a nearby restaurant. She was released at 12:25 a.m., more than 40 miles from her home in the Watts section of Los Angeles, with no transportation, no money, and no cell phone.

The 4.0 student and frequent community volunteer's behavior that evening has been described as "crazy" and "out of character." In November, writings found in her car were described by health professionals as documentation of up to a week of sleep deprivation and possible signs of serious mental illness.

Rep. Maxine Waters, the Congress member for Richardson's district, has asked the FBI to look into her disappearance, but has so far not heard back.

For more information on this weekend's search, visit www.findmitrice.info.