Authorities revealed on Monday that Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old photographer from Hawaii, was captured on camera crossing into Mexico four days after she landed at a Los Angeles airport. This sighting came a day after she was last heard from. Customs and Border Protection footage shows her crossing the southern border on foot near Tijuana on November 12 at around 12:15 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that Kobayashi was seen alone, carrying her luggage, and appeared unharmed. As of now, her case is classified as a voluntary missing person.
Investigators believe Kobayashi discarded her phone after arriving at LAX on November 8. McDonnell emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting that she is a victim of sex trafficking or any other foul play after she skipped her connecting flight to New York. He also noted that Kobayashi had expressed a desire to disconnect from modern technology before leaving Maui.
The LAPD is prioritizing ensuring Kobayashi's safety and well-being, urging her to contact her family, law enforcement, or the US Embassy to confirm she is safe. Police reiterated that Kobayashi intentionally missed her flight to New York for reasons yet unknown, although her family contested this claim earlier on Monday. Her sister, Sydni, stated that based on the information and surveillance footage they reviewed, it does not appear that Hannah missed her flight intentionally. Sydni expressed that the lack of communication regarding crucial details has left the family feeling excluded from important developments. However, they remain hopeful and optimistic that the LAPD is doing everything possible to locate Hannah.
Kobayashi's family also reported receiving odd text messages from her before her disappearance, which heightened their concerns. The family has been deeply worried about her well-being, with the unusual nature of her messages adding to their distress.
In summary, while the authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Kobayashi's disappearance, her family remains hopeful for her safe return. The community and law enforcement are rallying together, urging anyone with information to come forward to help ensure her safety and well-being. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities and emotional turmoil that accompany such investigations, with the priority being the safe return of Hannah Kobayashi.
