The family of a missing woman found dead off Interstate 14 in Nolanville last week is speaking out Monday.
Delettra Whittman, 51, of Belton, was last seen leaving Nolanville for Temple earlier this week after having lunch, according to her son Tommie Mayfield. When Whittman did not show up for work the next day, those who knew her reported her disappearance to multiple police agencies -- but were told officers had to wait 72 hours before searching, Mayfield said. So the family put together their own search party and after a short time found Whittman dead. Police said Whittman lost control of her car, ran off the road, hit a tree and fell into a ditch off of Interstate 14 near Nolanville Hill.
On Monday, friends and family of the victim gathered at the crash site to say their final goodbyes. The group shared memories of Whittman, prayed together and held a balloon release as well.
The family also gathered to call for change. Whittman's other son Troy Davis said if there had been a guardrail in place off of the highway where his mother fell, he believes she may still be alive today.
"The state of Texas should have put a guarding rail up for my mother, for your mother and for everybody else that's driving on this highway to protect us. I don't want this happening to any other family," Davis said.
The family is in the process of creating a petition for the guardrails, they plan to take it around to local areas from Killeen to Temple to gain public support.
If you'd like to help the family email them at TIDavis8764@gmail.com