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Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

HAWAIIAN BEAUTY MISSING @ LAX, DUMPS “MODERN” LIFE, IMPLODES FAMILY, IN TIJUANA?

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

True Crime, News

4.28.1K Ratings

🗓️ 4 December 2024

⏱️ 43 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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:

  • 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
  • Dr. Jeff Kieliszewski – Forensic Psychologist, Author: “Darksides;” FB: forensicsandmediapsychologist/TikTok: Dr. Jeff Kieliszewski
  • Steve Fischer  – Missing Persons Private Investigator, Search & Rescue Specialist, & Owner of Search Investigations; X: @SF_Investigates (helping in the search for Riley)
  • Scott Eicher-   founding member of the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (C.A.S.T); Historical Cellular Analysis Expert; Former FBI agent of 22 years; Former Police Officer and Homicide Detective with Norfolk Virginia Police Dept. having served 12 years; Currently with Precision Cellular Analysis handling Criminal, Defense and Civil case
  • Alexis Tereszcuk - Crime Online Investigative Reporter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcript

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0:00.0

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0:25.8

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0:26.4

Download the Amazon Music app now to start listening.

0:29.2

Terms apply.

0:30.9

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.

0:36.7

Did a Hawaiian beauty who goes missing at LAX dump modern life imploding her family and ends up in Tijuana?

0:49.3

As we go to air tonight, that video allegedly showing her in Tijuana is brought into question.

0:59.2

Is that her?

1:00.3

Has she been misidentified?

1:02.6

I'm Nancy Grace.

1:03.5

This is Crime Stories.

1:04.8

Thank you for being with us.

1:06.5

As the family is aware late yesterday after traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border, we reviewed

1:12.5

video surveillance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which clearly shows Kobayashi

1:17.5

crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico.

1:21.4

She was alone with her luggage and appeared unharmed.

1:24.8

At this time, Kobayashi's case has been classified as a voluntary missing

...

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