Los Angeles Police Department detectives say a missing 21-year-old Vancouver woman was in daily contact with her parents until her disappearance.
Elisa Lam, was visiting the city alone and was last seen at a boutique hotel in the downtown core on January 31 -- six days ago.
Her disappearance is being treated as suspicious because she has no history of this kind of behaviour, LAPD Lt. Walter Teague told reporters at a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
“There has been no communication at all and that’s worried us, and worried the family,” Teague said.
Her parents attended the press conference but declined to answer any questions.
Police say Lam had been in L.A. for three days after spending several days in San Diego. She was staying at the Cecil Hotel, a “European-style hotel located in the historical core.”
Lam had plans to visit northern California, apparently ending up in Santa Cruz. She didn’t have a car and was travelling by Amtrak train and public transit.
Homicide and robbery investigators are in the process of going through surveillance footage at the hotel, and monitoring whether her debit and credit cards have been used.
It’s not known if her belongings were left in the hotel.
“She was in our area for leisure, for travel, and we’re continuing the investigation now. We’re looking for your help,” Teague said.
The LAPD is coordinating its investigation with Interpol and the Canadian RCMP.
Lam is 5’4 tall with black hair and brown eyes. She weighs 115 pounds and is fluent in both English and Cantonese.
Anyone with information about her disappearance is urged to call the LAPD homicide section at 1-213-486-6890.
Do you know Elisa Lam? We'd like to hear from you. Write us at bconline@ctv.ca
