In brief
Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman reported missing by her family in Los Angeles, has been spotted crossing into Mexico after deliberately missing her flight connection to New York. Despite her appearing safe on video, her family remains worried and critical of the police's handling of the case.
Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii, has been identified crossing the southern US border into Mexico, following her recent disappearance in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed in a Monday update that she was last seen on video safely entering Mexico just after landing in LA and intentionally skipping her onward flight to New York.Law enforcement officials described Kobayashi as a "voluntarily missing person" and indicated no signs of foul play during her crossing, stressing that she appears safe based on video surveillance provided by US immigration authorities.The search for her intensified after her family shared concerns about concerning messages she sent regarding the theft of her money and identity. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell commented, stating, “The investigation has not uncovered any evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play,” while confirming she is not considered a suspect in any criminal activity.Before leaving Maui, Kobayashi reportedly expressed a desire to disconnect from modern life, raising questions about her state of mind. According to McDonnell, the investigation has reached a limit with her now being out of the country.Kobayashi was reported missing on November 8, and although she was spotted in various locations in LA over the following days, she vanished from view on November 12. Her family has voiced their disagreement with the police's assessment, insisting they are doubtful she purposely missed her connecting flight.Sydni Kobayashi, Hannah’s sister, expressed concern in a statement to the LA Times about communication gaps with law enforcement during the investigation. “The lack of communication surrounding some important details has left us feeling excluded from potentially crucial developments,” she said. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful that the LAPD will continue to help locate her sister.Tragedy struck the family when Ryan Kobayashi, Hannah's father, took his own life on November 24 near the Los Angeles airport. He was discovered with multiple traumatic injuries, as stated by the LA coroner's office. This tragic event adds to the overall distress experienced by the family during this tumultuous time.
