Former FBI Agent Casts Doubt Over Texts Hannah Kobayashi Sent to Family Claiming Her ID Was 'Stripped'

A former FBI agent is casting doubt over suspicious texts Hannah Kobayashi sent to her family, claiming her identification was "stripped."

"#HannahKobayashi texted that her identification was 'stripped,'" Jennifer Coffindaffer captioned a photo of a person who appeared to be Hannah, with a passport in her hand and luggage nearby, on X Wednesday. "Judge for yourself, but seems that was not accurate."

Thirty-year-old Hannah's mysterious disappearance spurred a frantic search involving law enforcement and loved ones when she failed to board her connecting flight to New York City during a layover at Los Angeles International Airport after arriving from Honolulu Nov. 8.

In concerning final messages to family Nov. 11, Hannah claimed she was "stripped" of her identity.

"I can't fly," she wrote. "I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds."

"Hannah's last message to us was alarming — she mentioned feeling scared, and that someone might be trying to steal her money and identity," her aunt Larie Pidgeon wrote on Facebook last month, according to NBC News.

Hannah was reported missing Nov. 13.

Following a three-week search for Hannah, police in Los Angeles on Monday announced it was their belief she willingly crossed over into Mexico via the San Ysidro crossing in San Diego on Nov. 12, citing surveillance footage.

"We've basically done everything we can do at this point. She's left the country and in another nation now," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said, adding she is now classified as a "voluntary missing person," refuting suspicions she may have been the victim of foul play, the Associated Press reported.

Still, he urged her to contact her family who have been frantically looking for her.

"A simple message could reassure those who care about her," added McDonnell.

On Tuesday, appearing alongside their family attorney Sara Azari, sister Sydni Kobayashi admitted she's not satisfied with the LAPD's conclusion.

"We're just as confused and just as frustrated more than anything now," Sydni told NBC.

Azari criticized the police investigation.

"They just reached this conclusion ... without showing them [family members] any footage," Azari said, according to the network. "It takes a lot more digging and investigation to be able to say it's 'voluntary.'"

At the same time, Sydni is begging her sister to come home.

"I can't stress enough how loved you are, how supported you are," pleaded Sydni. "We're really worried about you. No matter what situation you're in, you always have a home to come to."

Earlier in the day, family members thanked law enforcement for their work.

"We are deeply grateful for the urgency and dedication law enforcement has shown in investigating Hannah's disappearance. Our family remains hopeful that Hannah is safe and urges everyone to continue the search. The search is far from over, and we are committed to doing everything possible to bring her home safely," they said in a statement.

"We want answers and a resolution that ensures Hannah's safety and urge law enforcement and the public to stay focused on finding her and to avoid speculative conclusions. Spreading awareness and sharing verified information about her case is crucial, and we deeply appreciate your continued support in these efforts."

Tags

Hawaii, Los Angeles, New York City, Mexico, California, Investigation