In a surprising development, Hannah Kobayashi’s family learned she crossed into Mexico on November 12 at 12:13 p.m., after no communication since November 11 and no sign of her since that date. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigators reviewed surveillance footage at the U.S.-Mexico border, which clearly shows the 30-year-old crossing on foot into Mexico.
The footage reveals Kobayashi crossing alone, carrying luggage, with no indication she was accompanied. Investigators determined she had checked her bag through to New York but later requested it be sent to her at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Surveillance video from November 11 shows Kobayashi retrieving her luggage from the baggage carousel.
Using video and still images, LAPD created a timeline of Kobayashi’s movements in Los Angeles from November 8 to November 11. After collecting her luggage on November 11, she traveled through the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to Union Station, where she used her passport and cash to purchase a bus ticket to 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
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[Feature Photo: Handout]