The mystery over Hannah Kobayashi, the woman from Hawaii listed as missing for several weeks, took a turn Monday when Los Angeles Police Department officials said there was no evidence of criminal activity and video showed her crossing the border into Mexico.
The LAPD is now classifying her as a “voluntary missing person” and say there are no signs of foul play. Officials urged Kobayashi, a 30-year-old Maui resident, or anyone who knows her exact whereabouts to reach out to authorities or the family so they can ensure that she is safe.
Kobayashi’s family didn’t respond to requests for comment Monday evening about the latest update in the investigation.
- Kobayashi lands at Los Angeles International Airport from Maui and misses her connecting flight to New York City because of a short layover, according to her family.
- Relatives receive cryptic text messages from Kobayashi, suggesting that someone is trying to steal her money and identity.
- Kobayashi stays overnight in Los Angeles and is seen the next day at the Taschen bookstore near the Grove shopping center.
- Kobayashi is seen on video attending the LeBron XXII Trial Experience near the Grove and returns to LAX, according to her family’s statement. Kobayashi also posts a black-and-white photo on Instagram about the event.
- She’s seen talking to a ticketing agent at LAX; Kobayashi then boards the LAX Metro C line at the Aviation/Century Station around 9 p.m., her family says.
- She transfers at the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station and is seen in video footage leaving the Pico Station with an unknown person.
- Kobayashi is seen again on video footage at the Greyhound bus terminal at Union Station in downtown L.A. around 6:30 a.m., according to her family.
- Just a few hours later, according to police, Kobayashi enters Mexico through the San Ysidro border crossing. LAPD officials said they reviewed surveillance video from the U.S. Border Patrol on Dec. 2.
Officials don’t know why Kobayashi went to Mexico or exactly where she is now. But they said the video evidence was clear.
The LAPD investigation will not continue a search into Mexico, McDonnell said, but he encouraged anyone with information about Kobayashi’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
Authorities will be notified if Kobayashi chooses to reenter the U.S., he added.
“She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices,” McDonnell said, “but we also understand the concern loved ones feel for her; a simple message could reassure those she cares about.”
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The LAPD is classifying Kobayashi as a “voluntary missing person” and say there are no signs of foul play.
Q: Why did Kobayashi go to Mexico?
A: Officials don’t know why Kobayashi went to Mexico or exactly where she is now. But they said the video evidence was clear.
Q: Is there any evidence of criminal activity?
A: No, there is no evidence of criminal activity, according to the LAPD.
Q: What is the current status of Kobayashi’s family?
A: Kobayashi’s family did not respond to requests for comment on the latest update in the investigation.
