Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown issued a statement on Thursday saying the department has “contacted the lawyer for Brian Laundrie and was provided with copies of correspondence provided to his client.”

According to News4’s Chris Gordon, the content of those exchanges is unclear and Brown would not reveal what, if anything, had been said by the unnamed lawyer. But the mother of Laundrie’s missing son, Patricia Coleman, confirmed the relationship to Gordon, saying the Laundries were informed of the request.

But Laundrie’s parents claim police never notified them that law enforcement officials had requested his DNA.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Laundries claim they contacted Williamsburg-James City County Police and were informed that their son was a missing person and that a search was underway for him. They were then reportedly told by police that they had received a call from a lawyer “seeking samples of his DNA.”

It’s unclear from Brown’s public statement what he intends to do about the allegations. The statement adds: “In his communication with Brian and his attorney, I emphasized the importance of the case to our community and encouraged Brian to continue cooperating with law enforcement.”

On Thursday, police searched the Laundries’ home in connection with the case.

Also on Thursday, Laundrie’s mother told Gordon that she still believes her son is alive.