The sister of 30-year-old Hannah Kobayashi expressed dissatisfaction with the police conclusion that she is a “voluntary missing person” and questioned how they reached this conclusion without involving family members. Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that Hannah crossed into Mexico alone and classified the case as voluntary detachment with no foul play suspected. However, family members fear she may be a victim of human trafficking. The family plans to deploy supporters to search for her in Mexico and urged her to reach out. The family expressed gratitude to the police and stated that the search will continue to ensure she is safe.
Hannah, who disappeared after landing in Los Angeles from Honolulu and missing her connecting flight to New York City, spent time in Los Angeles sightseeing and sent alarming texts before being seen on security video with an unknown man. Police said she was seen crossing into Mexico on surveillance video and hasn’t been spotted since.
Relatives, including Hannah’s father who tragically died by suicide near the airport, directed volunteer search efforts. The family paused their search efforts on Facebook due to attacks and threats but remain focused on finding her. The family urged law enforcement and the public to continue searching for Hannah and avoid making speculative conclusions. If anyone is in crisis, they can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for support.
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