Editor-DN
Los Angeles police have classified 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi, who disappeared after visiting Maui, as a voluntarily missing person.
New video evidence shows Kobayashi entering Mexico on foot from the San Ysidro port on November 12.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said during a press release, “As the family knows, after traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border late yesterday we reviewed video surveillance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that clearly showed Kobayashi is shown crossing the border into the United States on foot in Mexico.” Conference
“She was alone with her belongings and appeared unsafe,” he added.
Kobayashi’s family reported her missing on November 11 after she failed to board her connecting flight from Los Angeles to New York.
Security footage captured him at various locations in LA between November 8 and 11. Investigators also determined that he received his luggage at LAX and used public transportation to get to the border.
McDonnell asserted, “The investigation to date has found no evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is a victim of malfeasance. He is not even suspected of any criminal activity.” “We respect his right to privacy but understand his family’s concern.”
Before leaving Maui, Kobayashi expressed a desire to disconnect from the technology, according to police.
Authorities interviewed people Kobayashi had communicated with in LA, including the man who met him at LAX. His statements corroborated the new video evidence.
The LAPD is urging Kobayashi to contact his family, law enforcement or a U.S. embassy to confirm his well-being.
“We’ve done basically everything we can do at this point, she’s left the country, and is now in another nation,” Chief McDonnell said. He added that the investigation will not be forwarded to Mexico. Law enforcement agencies will be notified if Kobayashi returns to the United States, he said.
The announcement follows the tragic death of Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, who died by suicide on November 24 while searching for his daughter. According to the LA medical examiner, he was found dead from multiple blunt force trauma injuries.
A GoFundMe set up by the family has raised nearly $47,000 to help with search efforts and funeral expenses.
