Search for Mitrice Richardson

A Sheriff’s Department helicopter carrying a search-and-rescue team leaves the command post at Malibu Creek State Park today. This is the fourth search for Mitrice Richardson, who was arrested for not paying an $89 dinner bill at Geoffrey’s restaurant in Malibu and disappeared after being released from a sheriff’s substation.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Family friend Ronda Hampton holds pictures of missing Mitrice Richardson while standing by Richardson’s mother, Latice Sutton, as she addresses a press conference. On the right is an aunt, Lauren Sutton. Both of Richardson’s parents publicly thanked searchers while they waited for news at the search command post in Malibu Creek State Park.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Members of an equestrian search-and-rescue team go over an area map before they look for missing Mitrice Richardson.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Richardson, father of Mitrice Richardson, informs a family member about the search-and-rescue efforts. Sheriff’s officials described the search as among the largest ever conducted by the department, taking in an 18-square-mile area of ridges, canyons and trails.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Lauren Sutton, left, an aunt of Mitrice Richardson, and friend Julie Ellerton comfort each other at Malibu Creek State Park. “The assumption right now is that we are searching for evidence, clues, anything that can help solve this mystery,” said Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore. “It’s not a question of whether she’s alive; it’s about looking for clues.”  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Latice Sutton, center, the mother of Mitrice Richardson, is comforted by family friend Ronda Hampton, left, and an aunt, Lauren Sutton, at Malibu Creek State Park.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)