Los Angeles Police said they have received a handful of tips since they pleaded for the public’s help trying to find a missing UBC student, but so far have no substantive leads.
Detectives told CTV News they continue to work the file believing that Elisa Lam has yet to be found, despite going missing a week ago.
The 21-year-old’s family has flown to L.A. to aid in the search, while family friends at home tried to remain optimistic.
“She’s a good girl,” said neighbour Edward Jiang, who has lived next to the Lams for years. He said he was shocked to hear she was missing.
“I hope she’s okay,” he added.
Lam took a trip alone to Los Angeles on January 27. She was last seen Jan. 31 at the Cecil Hotel in downtown L.A., where she was staying.
At a news conference Wednesday, the LAPD said she is missing and they suspect foul play.
“There has been no communication at all so that has worried us and worried the family and we’re proceeding with an investigation right now,” said Lt. Walter Teague.
When told by CTV News that the 1-877-LAPD-24-7 tip line doesn’t work in Canada, detectives told Canadians with tips to phone Detectives Tennelle or Stearns directly at 213-486-6890.
The Cecil Hotel didn’t return calls.
On travel websites the hotel appears recently renovated, but commenters on Expedia warned about the neighbourhood, saying, “When I told my local L.A. friend where I was staying one night, giving this hotel’s address, I now understand his advice to find somewhere else ASAP.”
Another reviewer was more blunt, saying, “You feel like you’re gonna get knifed anytime.”
Travel agent Brad Davies of Virtually There said women travelling alone need to be careful. They should use “Ms.” instead of “Miss” in bookings, should not advertise they are single, and shouldn’t answer the door unless they know who is coming, he said.
He also warned of trusting websites too much, because sometimes the image is not the reality, he said.
“When it comes to travel the internet can be your best friend or your worst enemy,” he said.
