April 26, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

LAPD Confirms Missing Woman Voluntarily Crossed into Mexico, Urges Her to Contact Them

Hannah Kobayashi, 30, Classified as a Voluntary Missing Person By Authorities

Los Angeles Police Department investigators have confirmed that 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi voluntarily crossed the U.S.-Mexico border, classifying her as a voluntary missing person.

On December 1, 2024, detectives with the LAPD Missing Persons Unit reviewed surveillance footage provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The video shows Kobayashi crossing the border on foot at San Ysidro, California, carrying luggage and traveling alone.

“Our priority is ensuring Ms. Kobayashi’s safety and well-being,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said. “We urge her to contact her family, law enforcement, or the U.S. Embassy to let us know she is safe. She has the right to privacy, and we respect that, but her loved ones are understandably concerned. A simple message would go a long way to reassure them.”

Kobayashi arrived in Los Angeles on a pre-scheduled flight from Maui on November 8, 2024. Over the following days, surveillance footage and witness accounts placed her at various locations around the city.

On November 11, Kobayashi retrieved her luggage at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after opting not to board a connecting flight to New York. She was then seen at Union Station, where she purchased a bus ticket to a destination near the Mexican border. The following day, on November 12, Kobayashi traveled by bus from Union Station to San Ysidro. Shortly after arriving, she crossed into Mexico.

Investigators determined she made these decisions independently, and there is no evidence to suggest foul play or human trafficking. Before leaving Maui, Kobayashi reportedly expressed a desire to disconnect from modern communication and take a break from her routine.

This case sounds similar to the disappearance of Chanel Banks, who was reported missing by her relatives on November 8 who came to Los Angeles to search for her, but resurfaced on November 11 in Texas after media reports went nationwide. 

Despite significant public and media interest, the LAPD has found no indications of criminal activity. The investigation reflects Kobayashi’s right to privacy while balancing concerns raised by her loved ones. Sadly, her father died by suicide on Sunday, November 24 after he flew to Los Angeles to search for his daughter. 

The case will remain open in the Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS) until Kobayashi’s safety is confirmed. However, the LAPD will not pursue further investigation into Mexico unless new evidence arises.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the LAPD at (877) LAPD-24-7 or (877) 527-3247. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

in News
Related Posts

West Hollywood Braces for Controversial Rally, Reaffirms Commitment to Equality

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

City of West Hollywood Condemns Harmful Rhetoric Ahead of Planned Assembly City officials and public safety leaders in West Hollywood are preparing...

(Video) The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

ASTEME Camps Explore Science, Technology, Math and Engineering

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Many teachers and parents hear this question daily when it comes to schooling: “When am I ever going to use...

Skirball Center’s Puppet Festival Promises an Afternoon of Imagination and Play

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

SoCal’s Top Puppeteers Will Perform Alongside Live Music, DIY Puppet-Making The Skirball Cultural Center is set to transform into a...

Q&A: No Age Limit on Home Care Management & Home Safety, Tips from a Care Manager

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In-home safety issues that go unnoticed — cracked sidewalks, broken railings or uneven flooring for example — are often the root...

Culver City Police Hosts DEA Drug Take Back Day on April 26

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Dispose of Expired Prescriptions Safely and Anonymously The Culver City Police Department will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back...

Former Cedars-Sinai OB-GYN Accused of Sexually Abusing Patients for Four Decades

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Ten Women Say Their Reports Were Ignored as Brock Continued to Practice for Decades. A group of 10 women has...

LAX/Metro Station is One Step Closer to Transforming the Airport Commute

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

New Multi-Modal Metro Station Connects Angelenos to the Airport Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn announced...

FBI Unravels Alleged Plot to Sell Stolen Andy Warhol Print in Beverly Hills

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Mid-City Pawn Shop Owner Charged in High-Stakes Art Scheme The owner of a pawn shop in Los Angeles’ Mid-City neighborhood...

The Brian Jonestown Massacre Drops New Double A-Side Ahead of U.S. Tour

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Legendary Psych-Rockers Set April 25 Release and Fall North American Tour The Brian Jonestown Massacre is set to release a...

(Video) Matú Kai Brentwood: The full experience

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Sister restaurant to Matú in Beverly Hills, located at 11777 San Vicente Blvd. Sister restaurant to Matú in Beverly Hills,...

Uncle Stevey’s Bagels Wins Westside Hearts with Next-Level Bagels, Premium Sandwiches, and Local Coffee

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Family-Run Shop Serves Delicious and Thoughtfully Curated Bagels With Love By Dolores Quintana A little more than a year since...

Santa Monica’s Socalo Toasts Pali Wine Co. with a Five-Course Culinary Celebration

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Enjoy Celebrated Central Coast Wines, Including a 100-Point Red Blend Socalo, the acclaimed Mexican restaurant from celebrity chefs Mary Sue...

Go Go Bird Teams Up with Chef Chris Oh for Korean-Inspired Fried Chicken Sandwich

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Crispy, Saucy, Spicy: Chris Oh’s Fried Chicken Sandwich Lands in Culver City Go Go Bird, located in Culver City’s Citizen...

Fogo de Chão Hosts Wine Lover’s Dream Night with Chilean Winery VIK

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

Diners Will Enjoy a Chef-Curated South American Menu, Highly Rated Wines Wine lovers and culinary connoisseurs are invited to gather...