Hannah Kobayashi’s family received unexpected news that she was seen crossing into Mexico on November 12 at 12:13 p.m., after no contact since November 11 and no sightings of her thereafter. Surveillance footage from the U.S.-Mexico border, reviewed by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), clearly captured the 30-year-old making her way into Mexico on foot.
The footage depicted Kobayashi walking alone, carrying her luggage, with no signs of companionship. Investigators established that she had initially checked her bag for New York but altered the destination to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) later on. On November 11, video footage exhibited Kobayashi retrieving her luggage from the airport’s baggage carousel.
By examining both video recordings and still images, LAPD was able to construct a detailed timeline of Kobayashi’s movements in Los Angeles between November 8 and November 11. Following the retrieval of her luggage on November 11, she utilized the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to reach Union Station, where she used her passport and cash to purchase a bus ticket heading towards the border.
The following morning, she took a bus to San Ysidro, California, and crossed the border into Mexico via a pedestrian tunnel.
The LAPD stated they would not release the surveillance footage of Kobayashi crossing the border due to privacy concerns. A department spokesperson explained that as a private citizen who has not committed a crime, Kobayashi is entitled to privacy. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reiterated this, saying she “has a right to her privacy.”
Although Kobayashi’s family has urged police to continue searching for her, the LAPD confirmed they are not investigating further. They stated Kobayashi has left the country voluntarily, is not suspected of a crime, and there is no evidence she is being trafficked.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Additional Guest
- Gregory Morse – Partner at the law firm of King Morse, PLLC. Current CJA counsel (Southern District of Florida), Former West Palm Beach Public Defender’s Office. Author: “The Untested,” Website: kingmorselaw.com
“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
[Feature Photo: Handout]
