There’s been a major update in the case of missing woman Hannah Kobayashi.
On Monday, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell revealed that after nearly a month of searching for the Hawaii resident, who was declared missing after failing to get on her connecting flight from LA to New York early last month, she’s no longer believed to be in immediate danger. During a press conference, he revealed the 30-year-old was spotted crossing the US-Mexico border on foot on November 12 — one day after her loved ones last heard from her and is now considered a “voluntary missing person”:
“As the family is aware, late yesterday after traveling to the US-Mexico border, we reviewed video surveillance from US Customs and Border Protection which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico.”
He added that for now, there is no evidence Hannah “is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play.” Apparently, the LAPD was even able to track down the mystery figure she was spotted with the last day anyone heard from her, and was able to confirm there was no wrongdoing on his end — though it’s not clear how they drew that conclusion.
Mcdonnell noted Hannah had her luggage rerouted from New York back to LA and picked it up on November 11 before seemingly heading to the San Ysidro Port of Entry, where she was seen in the surveillance footage. He added:
“She was alone, with her luggage and appeared unharmed.”
Because of said findings, McDonnell noted the missing person investigation will not longer continue:
“We urge Ms. Kobayashi to contact her family, law enforcement or personnel at the US Embassy to let us know that you’re safe. She has a right to her privacy and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel for her. A simple message could reassure those who care about her.”
He added that if she returns to the US, law enforcement officials will be notified.
Lieutenant Douglas Oldfield revealed during the press conference that after examining Hannah’s social media accounts, there were “indications” she wanted to “disconnect.” He said:
“By looking at her past social media, we then saw indications that there were some desires or posts that would be consistent in somebody who would have the desire to disconnect from their phone.”
One of the major red flags that really still stands out is the odd text messages Hannah sent her loved ones prior to going missing about having her identity and money stolen. Oldfield noted law enforcement officials were “not able to interpret” the strange messages.
McDonnell concluded by extending his sympathies to the Kobayashi family, who on top of navigating the disappearance of Hannah, are coming to terms with her father Ryan’s death by suicide:
“I’m very sorry to the family for all that they’ve been through this ordeal. We’re very sorry for their loss. And I don’t know the words can express the feelings that they’re going through during this very difficult time. But there’s a lot of people very much in support of what they’re going through.”
So, so sad. This poor family.
In a statement to NBC News, the Kobayashi family addressed the latest development in Hannah’s case:
“We are deeply grateful for the urgency and dedication law enforcement has shown in investigating Hannah’s disappearance. Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe and urges everyone to continue the search. The search is far from over, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely. We want answers and a resolution that ensures Hannah’s safety and urge law enforcement and the public to stay focused on finding her and to avoid speculative conclusions. Spreading awareness and sharing verified information about her case is crucial, and we deeply appreciate your continued support in these efforts.”
We hope to one day see Hannah safely reunited with her family.
[Image via Los Angeles Police Department]
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