Runaway Bride May Still Wed

Her Family Pastor Predicts A 'Good Possibility' For Wedding Bells

(CBS/AP) 
Wilbanks said she has asked for the forgiveness of Mason, her fiance; their families, friends, churches and communities; "and any others I may have offended unintentionally," adding that she was "deeply grateful and appreciative to everyone who responded on my behalf."

Many in the community expressed disgust when they learned that she had run off without telling anyone.

But Smiley said he has received hundreds of e-mails about Wilbanks and they have been "99 percent positive."

Wilbanks has not said publicly whether she still plans to marry Mason, but Smiley, who has been counseling Wilbanks, said Mason has been supportive.

"The number one concern is for her to get a handle on what's going on in her life," he said. Asked about her progress, he said, "We live in such an instant society today, and everyone wants everything right now, and that's just not possible."

Wilbanks' attorney, Lydia Sartain, has said her client is seeking professional help and is in no condition to publicly answer questions.

Her statement did not address Duluth Mayor Shirley Lasseter's request that she repay the city for the costs of the search and perform community service.

Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter is investigating possible criminal charges against Wilbanks for falsely reporting a crime. Porter said Thursday night he was awaiting an FBI report on Wilbanks' statements to authorities in Albuquerque.

Her statement also did not specifically address her false claim that a Hispanic man had abducted her. But Fernando Mateo, the president of the group Hispanics Across America, backed down from his threat to protest outside her home, saying members were satisfied with her general apology.

"Our purpose was not to crucify this woman but just to let the nation know they can't freely use the name 'Hispanic' in a stereotyping manner where Hispanics are perceived to be thugs and criminals," he said.