The search for 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi, who had been missing since November 11th, has taken a new turn as authorities reveal that video surveillance footage confirms she voluntarily crossed the US-Mexico border into Mexico on November 12th.
Kobayashi’s disappearance began after she failed to board her connecting flight to New York from Los Angeles. Her family had reported her missing when she was last seen at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Security footage captured her at multiple locations in the city between November 8th and 11th, and investigators confirmed she retrieved her luggage at LAX before traveling to the US-Mexico border via public transportation.
According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell, new video evidence from US Customs and Border Protection shows Kobayashi crossing the San Ysidro port of entry on foot. She appeared unharmed and was carrying her luggage.
“As the family is aware, late yesterday after traveling to the US-Mexico border we reviewed video surveillance from US Customs and Border Protection which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico,” McDonnell confirmed during a press conference.
Police emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting foul play, trafficking, or any criminal activity related to Kobayashi’s actions. She has not been implicated in any crimes, and no evidence suggests she is being coerced.
Prior to her disappearance, Kobayashi had expressed a desire to disconnect from technology, which may have played a role in her decision to leave the country. Authorities have interviewed individuals she interacted with in Los Angeles, including one person who met her at LAX, and their statements have corroborated the surveillance footage.
Despite this, Kobayashi’s family remains deeply concerned. The LAPD is urging her to contact her family, law enforcement, or a US embassy to confirm her well-being. However, McDonnell clarified that the investigation will not proceed into Mexico, and authorities are awaiting any possible return to the US for further investigation.
The investigation into her disappearance has taken a tragic toll on her family. Kobayashi’s father, Ryan, tragically passed away on November 24th due to injuries sustained from a suicide while he was searching for his daughter.
“We’ve basically done everything we can do at this point,” Chief McDonnell said. “She’s left the country, and in another nation now.” He added that if Kobayashi returns to the US, law enforcement will be notified.
Kobayashi’s disappearance remains under scrutiny, but it is now clear that she made the decision to cross into Mexico voluntarily, leaving her family and law enforcement searching for answers as they try to understand her choices.
Sources By Agencies
