HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow/Gray News) – The investigation into the Hawaii woman who went missing after landing at Los Angeles International Airport took a major turn on Monday.
The Los Angeles Police Department said during a news conference that the family of Hannah Kobayashi was made aware of video that was obtained showing the 30-year-old woman crossing the border on foot from San Diego into Mexico on Nov. 12 at 12:13 p.m.
“She was alone with her luggage, and appeared unharmed,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said.
McDonnell said the case was classified as a voluntary missing person case and there was no evidence of foul play or trafficking.
Kobayashi was also not a suspect in any criminal activity, McDonnell said.
“Investigators noted that before departing Maui, Kobayashi expressed the desire to step away from modern connectivity,” McDonnell added.
Since she is believed to be out of the country, McDonnell said the LAPD investigation will not continue into Mexico, but will resume if she returns to the U.S.
“We’ve basically done everything we can do at this point. She’s left the country and in another nation now,” said McDonnell.
He urged Hannah Kobayashi to contact authorities to ensure that she is safe.
On Monday, Sydni Kobayashi, Hannah Kobayashi’s sister, also announced that the Facebook group that was created to help with search efforts had been shut down, citing negative online comments and threats.
It’s been nearly a month since Hannah Kobayashi went missing. The 30-year-old was heading to New York City to visit family, but missed her connecting flight on Nov. 8. She returned to the airport three days later, but did not board a flight.
“For unknown reasons, she decided not to board her prescheduled flight to New York that same day,” McDonnell said.
McDonnell urges anyone who may have further information about the case to contact LAPD at 877-527-3247.
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