Beth Holloway's message to the community minutes after suspect in daughter's disappearance appears in court
Beth Holloway spoke after the main suspect in her daughter's disappearance pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and extortion charges Friday.
Joran van der Sloot is charged with wire fraud and extortion.
When asked by 米兰体育 13 Investigative Reporter Jon Paepcke if she had any comments, she thanked the public for its support over the years.
"Just thank you for your continued support. Thank you so much," Holloway said.
Previous Coverage: Here's what we know about the disappearance of Natalee Holloway
She repeated "thank you" when asked how relieved she was that van der Sloot was in a Birmingham courtroom.
Watch the video above to see Holloway's comment.
"Now eighteen years later, the wheels of justice have finally begun to turn for our family and we are getting our long-awaited day in court," Holloway said in part of a statement released Friday. "With the felony arraignment complete, prosecution of this criminal case has officially begun.
"Joran van der Sloot鈥檚 not guilty plea is not disheartening to us, it simply means that his legal team is going to try to make the state prove the case against him."
Dave Holloway, Natalee's father, also issued a statement Friday, thanking all those involved in van der Sloot's extradition, arraignment, and impending trial.
"While filled with mixed emotions, I am confident that today was an important step toward accountability and hopefully, justice. These particular charges do not involve me directly, but I am trusting that this prosecution will lead us to the truth about Natalee," said Holloway.
"I remain thankful for everything done by the U.S. Attorney鈥檚 office, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshal鈥檚 office here in Birmingham. We are also deeply appreciative for the support of people all over the world who share in common belief that good must always prevail over evil."