Los Angeles police have classified 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi, who disappeared after visiting Maui, as a voluntary missing person.
New video evidence shows Kobayashi was entering Mexico on foot at the San Ysidro port of entry on November 12.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said during a press conference, “As the family knows, after traveling to the US-Mexico border late last night we reviewed video surveillance from US Customs and Border Protection that clearly showed Kobayashi. Depicted crossing the United States border into Mexico on foot.” conference.
“She was alone with her belongings and was unharmed,” he said.
Kobayashi’s family reported her missing on November 11, when 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 retrieved his luggage at LAX and used public transportation to reach the border.
McDonnell stressed, “The investigation to date has found no evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of dishonesty. He is also not suspected of any criminal activity.” “We respect his right to privacy but understand his family’s concerns.”
According to police, before leaving Maui, Kobayashi expressed a desire to break away from technology.
Authorities interviewed individuals with whom Kobayashi had interacted in LA, including the person who met him at LAX. His statements were confirmed by new video evidence.
The LAPD is urging Kobayashi to contact his family, law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy to confirm his well-being.
“We’ve basically done everything we can at this point, she’s left the country and is now in another country,” Chief McDonnell said. He also said that the investigation would not be extended to Mexico. If Kobayashi returns to the United States, law enforcement will be notified, he said.
The announcement comes following the tragic passing 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 traumatic injuries.
A GoFundMe set up by the family has raised nearly $47,000 to support search efforts and funeral expenses.
