The police have provided an update on Hannah Kobayashi, indicating that she is considered ‘voluntarily missing’.
Hannah Kobayashi had planned to travel from her home in Maui, Hawaii, to New York with a layover in Los Angeles back in November. However, she did not catch her connecting flight at LAX.
This absence raised concerns among her family, prompting them to travel to Los Angeles to search for her before filing a missing person’s report.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell conducted a press conference regarding Kobayashi’s disappearance, offering a significant update on her situation on Monday (Dec 2).
During the briefing, the Los Angeles police confirmed through video surveillance that Kobayashi was seen on camera.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated: “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 United States border on foot into Mexico.”
The police also outlined the timeline of Kobayashi’s disappearance, although her family has expressed concerns about the accuracy of this information.
He explained: “On November 8, 23-year-old Hannah Kobayashi missed her connecting flight from LAX to New York which the investigation determined was intentional.
“Over the next few days she maintained contact with her family and was active on Instagram.
However, the family last heard from Hannah on November 11 after receiving concerning text messages and losing further contact her family traveled to LA on November 13 and filed a missing person report.”
“On November 15, our missing person’s unit assumed investigative responsibility, detectives have been diligently reviewing video surveillance and employing various investigative technique to locate Hannah, while her family has continued their personal search efforts.
“Tragically on November 24, during the search for his daughter, Hannah’s father Ryan Kobayashi was found deceased.
“Preliminary findings indicate his death was by suicide.”
However, as reported by the New York Post, Kobayashi’s family has ‘vehemently’ denied McDonnell’s conclusions.
They also disputed the incorrect age attributed to the missing woman, asserting she is 23-years-old, not 30. Additionally, they contested the timeline presented by the police, claiming inaccurate dates were provided regarding when she was reported missing.
The police have also dismissed any notions that Kobayashi is involved in criminal activities.
McDonnell further stated: “To date the investigation has not uncovered any evidence that Kobayashi is being trafficked or is the victim of foul play. She is also not a suspect in any criminal activity,” McDonnell said.
“She has a right to her privacy, and we respect her choices, but we also understand the concern her loved ones feel for her.”