In a surprising turn of events, the case of Hannah Kobayashi, who disappeared after missing her flight from Los Angeles to New York, has taken a new direction.

Hannah, who is 30 years old, was last heard from on November 8.

Her father, 58-year-old Ryan Kobayashi, traveled to Los Angeles to assist authorities in their search efforts. Tragically, he was found dead on November 24, with the County Medical Examiner determining it a suicide.

Hannah’s family is now looking into whether she might have been involved in a green card marriage scheme before she went missing.

Reports on December 4 suggested she might have been scammed out of funds in relation to such a scheme. It was revealed that she arrived in Los Angeles with her legal husband and his partner.

Her mother uncovered documents referring to supposed legal representation for this ‘alleged marriage’.

Family lawyer Sara Azari remarked that they lacked full details or documentation to confirm any marriage. “This is one of many leads we’re working on, with help from our attorney and investigative team,” she stated.

“We promptly handed relevant information to law enforcement as soon as we got it.”

The LAPD shared an update through Chief Jim McDonnell during a news conference: “We have reviewed surveillance footage from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that shows Kobayashi crossing the U.S. border into Mexico on foot.”

“She was alone, carrying her luggage, and appeared to be unhurt.”

“Our top priority is Hannah’s safety and health.”

“We encourage her to reach out to her family, law enforcement, or the U.S. Embassy to inform us she’s okay.”

“While we respect her privacy rights, her loved ones are understandably worried.”

“A straightforward message could reduce their anxiety.”

LAPD clarified that her decision to disconnect from technology and rumors of human trafficking involvement were untrue.

Her family started receiving cryptic messages from her phone that seemed uncharacteristic for Hannah.

One message stated: “I got hacked and stripped of my identity, so I can’t fly.”

Another read: “I was deceived into giving up my funds to someone I loved. I’ve been homeless.”

Her aunt, Larie Pidgeon, expressed relief upon hearing Hannah was seen crossing into Mexico, yet she believes her niece is still in danger and insists on continuing the search.

She noted that the LAPD had “made notable advances, offering us vital new insights. But this search isn’t concluded. Knowing Hannah crossed the border doesn’t answer all questions nor does it ease my concerns.”

“Hannah never mentioned intentions to visit Mexico, and no one was aware of such plans. Her complete disconnection from her phone, online accounts, and her life is uncharacteristic.”

“The last messages she sent are on a replay loop in my head, though they still don’t make sense.”

“My focus is ensuring my niece is safe and that her decisions are her own, with her well-being ensured.”

The texts were sent to a friend and Hannah’s mother, describing how she missed her flight to NYC, was low on money, and mentioned meeting someone from an online connection.

LAPD has been investigating since November 8 when she flew from Maui to Los Angeles.

Surveillance between November 8-11 captured images of Hannah at multiple LA locations.

The LAPD validated this information.

For reasons unknown, she skipped her flight to New York but requested her luggage back at LAX. Footage shows her picking it up on November 11.

Further investigations showed that she knowingly left LAX on November 11 with her luggage and took a trip to Union Station.

At Union Station, she used her passport to purchase a bus ticket to near the Mexico border. On November 12, she traveled by bus from Union Station to San Ysidro, California.

Shortly after arriving, she crossed the border into Mexico.

Authorities stated they would not be pursuing investigations while she is in Mexico: “But if she returns to the U.S., law enforcement will be informed.”