Police Begin Search for Missing Canadian Tourist
A Canadian tourist has been missing for more than a week, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, and investigators said the disappearance indicated possible foul play.
Elisa Lam, 21, was touring southern California since arriving in Los Angeles on Jan. 26. The Vancouver native was staying at the Cecil Hotel in downtown L.A. and using public transportation like Amtrak trains and city buses.
Lam had been in daily contact with her parents, according to Lt. Walter Teague of the L.A.P.D., but communication stopped on Jan. 31. Staff at the Cecil Hotel were the last to spot Lam before her disappearance.
On Tuesday, Canadian authorities informed the L.A.P.D. of Lam's disappearance, and police launched an investigation.
Lam's parents joined detectives in the robbery and homicide unit in a press conference Wednesday to announce the status of the investigation and engage the public in the search for her.
Lam is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs approximately 115 pounds, and is of Chinese descent. She has black hair, brown eyes, and speaks both English and Cantonese.
Those with further information are asked to contact detectives Tennelle or Stearns at (213) 486-6890, or (877) LAPD-247.
