New twist in the Hannah Kobayashi missing persons case … police in Los Angeles say they have her on video crossing the border into Mexico.
The LAPD just released new information on the case, and cops say Missing Persons Unit investigators traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border where they reviewed surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearly showing Hannah crossing the border on foot into Mexico.
Cops say Hannah was alone and she was traveling with her luggage.
Hannah had been reported missing last month in Los Angeles when she did not board a connecting flight from LAX to New York … with police now saying she missed the flight on purpose.
Her father traveled from Hawaii to LAX last week and was found dead from an apparent suicide … seemingly jumping to his death from a parking structure.
Now that cops have eyes on Hannah going into Mexico, the LAPD says her case has been classified as a voluntary missing person.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell is urging Hannah to contact her family, law enforcement or the U.S. Embassy to let them know she is safe.
Cops also say they have video and photos of Hannah at various locations around Los Angeles last month … including her getting her luggage from the baggage carousel at LAX.
Police say Hannah went from LAX to Union Station in downtown L.A. … using her passport to purchase a bus ticket to San Ysidro, the busiest border crossing in the world. Shortly after getting off the bus near the border, cops say she crossed the border into Mexico.
LAPD says their investigation has NOT uncovered any evidence that Hannah is possibly being trafficked or is the victim of foul play … and cops say she is also NOT a suspect in any criminal activity.
What’s more, police say before Hannah left Hawaii she “expressed a desire to step away from modern connectivity.”
LAPD says their investigation will not continue into Mexico … but if she returns to the U.S. law enforcement will be notified.
The family’s attorney, Sara Ansari tells TMZ … “We are deeply grateful for the urgency and dedication law enforcement has shown in investigating Hannah’s disappearance. Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe and urges everyone to continue the search. The search is far from over, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely.”
She adds, “We want answers and a resolution that ensures Hannah’s safety and urge law enforcement and the public to stay focused on finding her and to avoid speculative conclusions. Spreading awareness and sharing verified information about her case is crucial, and we deeply appreciate your continued support in these efforts.”
