Watch CBS News

Wife Of California Man Detained In North Korea Asks For His Return

PALO ALTO, Calif. (AP) - The wife of an 85-year-old Korean War veteran detained in North Korea has implored authorities there to let her husband return to his anxious, concerned family.

Lee Newman said in a statement released Friday from the Channing House retirement community that the family feels a misunderstanding led to his detention.

Her husband, Merrill Newman, was set to end a 10 day tour of North Korea on Oct. 26.

She says that just before he was slated to fly out, he was escorted from his flight by a North Korean official, and the family doesn't know why he is being held.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.