UPDATE
Danielle Becker, a California woman who failed to board a plane back home from Texas, has been located, according to the Houston Police Department.
Friedland’s family provided a statement following her discovery, obtained by KHOU.
“We are relieved to say that around 2:30 a.m. last night, with the help of the Houston Police Department, we were able to locate Dani, make contact with her, and she is now safe.
“We wanted to express our deepest gratitude to the Houston community for everything you did to help us find Dani. We were welcomed in with open arms, and without exception received help, love, and incredible support.
“We know there are so many more that helped us over this last week, but we wanted to specifically thank Chief Finner, Commanders Faulhaber and Hassig and the Houston Police Department for their tireless work and determination to find her.
“We also wanted to thank the Impact Houston church. You opened your doors, offered us food and help, and we will be forever grateful for the assistance your congregation provided. Further thanks to the local Jewish community, the Houston Constables, the Homeless Outreach Team, and the incredible shelters and organizations that provide services in Houston. We also wanted to thank the local unhoused community who showed us so much kindness, helped distribute fliers, looked for Dani, and provided us with information on areas to search.
“We are so thankful to you all and so many more for helping us during the hardest week of our lives. As we move into the next steps for Dani and the rest of the family, we ask for privacy so we can begin to heal.
“Thank you, Houston.”
Initial Coverage
The husband of a missing California woman says she may be somewhere in the downtown Houston area.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Danielle Becker Friedland, 36, checked her baggage at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Wednesday night but never boarded the plane. Family members said she was scheduled to fly to San Francisco.
Friendland’s husband, Jordan Friedland, said friends and family traveled to Houston, following leads on her last known location. They have been scouring the Houston area, checking downtown and a grocery store based on tips, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
“We have reason to believe she’s in the downtown area,” her husband, Jordan Friedland, told the Chronicle. “We still have friends and family there looking and won’t give up until she’s found.”
Friedland was in Houston for treatment at the renowned Menninger Clinic on Main Street. She reportedly has numerous mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. The clinic released her after treatment and she was scheduled to return home to California to complete outpatient treatment.
“She was on her way home to reunite with our family, including our 2- and 5-year-old, after getting care in Houston in a special clinic,” Jordan told the Chronicle.
Family friend, Will True, told the Jewish Herald-Voice that Friedland made exceptional progress while in the treatment program, resulting in her November 22 release.
“Over that time, with diagnosis, therapy, and medication, she has had remarkable progress to the point that the clinic was ready to discharge her and send her home to her husband and two young boys (2 and 5) in California and have her continue treatment there,” True said.
Police said Friedland purposely left her phone at the airport and has no known connections in Texas. She left the airport in a cab with $160 cash, police added.
Friedland is described as a white female who stands 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs around 100 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes, and was last seen in a blue puffy jacket with blue and orange stripes and blue jogger pants. She was also carrying a black suitcase.
Anyone with information on Friedland’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Houston Police Department Missing Persons Division at 832-394-1840.
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[Feature Photo: Danielle Becker Friedland & Family/Facebook]
