Shayna Feinman, an Arizona woman who disappeared more than two years ago, has reportedly been found alive in Mexico, although her family is awaiting confirmation of her identity.
The Tijuana Municipal Security and Protection Service (SSPCM) said Feinman was located in the Encino neighbourhood on October 23, 2026. Authorities said her physical characteristics matched those of the missing woman.
Feinman, who was 38 when she disappeared, was last seen on March 9, 2024, while reportedly walking to a friend’s house near the Peach Springs and Hyde Park area of Seligman, Arizona.
According to Mexican authorities, officers confirmed her identity and placed her under their protection before moving her to a safe location. Arrangements were then initiated to enable her family and consular officials to contact her.
Family Awaits Independent Confirmation of Her Identity
Despite the announcement from Mexican authorities, Feinman’s sister, Kara, said the family had not yet met the woman found in Tijuana and was waiting for confirmation from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
Speaking to FOX10, Kara said physical similarities alone were not enough to establish that the woman was her sister.
“There are a ton of people that are short like she was and have dark hair, everywhere,” she said.
Kara added that the family was hoping for a positive outcome but wanted to remain calm until further information became available.
“I can only hope and pray [for] good news, but right now, we have to be realistic, rational and calm,” she said.
Paul Wick, a spokesperson for the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that the agency was aware of reports that Feinman had been located in Mexico.
However, he said the information had not been independently confirmed.
“At this time, the information remains unconfirmed, and there is insufficient evidence to verify her identity,” Wick said.
Feinman Disappeared After Leaving for a Friend’s House
Feinman disappeared in March 2024 after reportedly setting out on foot to visit a friend near Seligman.
She never arrived at her destination, and her whereabouts remained unknown for more than two years.
Investigators recovered her mobile phone and other personal belongings from a nearby property during the initial investigation.
The sheriff’s office also reported that people who had last been seen with Feinman were not cooperating with detectives at the time.
Her disappearance prompted a search for information about her whereabouts, with Yavapai Silent Witness previously offering a $20,000 reward for information relating to the case.
Feinman’s family also travelled to the area where she was last seen to search for answers. During the visit, relatives received some of her personal belongings and were reunited with a family dog they had not seen since she was reported missing.
Murder Charges Against Two Men Were Dismissed
The investigation into Feinman’s disappearance previously led authorities to pursue murder charges against her boyfriend, Cavett Richards, and William DalCerro.
According to FOX10, investigators announced probable cause to charge both men with second-degree murder, conspiracy and concealment of a dead body.
The allegations were pursued despite the fact that search teams had not recovered Feinman’s remains.
Both men had previously been arrested on unrelated weapons and stolen-vehicle charges, according to the report.
Court documents from Yavapai County Superior Court show that the murder charges against Richards and DalCerro were dismissed in January 2025.
The current circumstances surrounding Feinman’s disappearance and the events that may have led her to Mexico remain under investigation.
Detectives Investigate How She Reached Mexico
Authorities are continuing to seek information about why Feinman disappeared and how she may have travelled from Arizona to Mexico.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has not yet confirmed that the woman found in Tijuana is Feinman.
Yavapai Silent Witness had previously asked residents in the area and surrounding communities to review security-camera footage for information that could assist investigators.
The organisation’s website had not been updated to reflect the reported discovery at the time of the supplied report.
US Consular Officials Arrange Possible Return to Family
Mexican authorities said arrangements were being made with the US Consular Office to facilitate the woman’s safe return to her family.
The process is expected to involve contact between consular officials, the family and the relevant authorities as the identification procedures continue.
Feinman’s relatives are awaiting confirmation from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office before determining whether the woman found in Mexico is their missing family member.
The investigation remains ongoing.
