Tijuana error: Missing hiker not the woman found alive in Mexico

US authorities confirmed on Tuesday that physical evidence proved the woman found in Tijuana is not Shayna Feinman. The confirmation ended a confusing episode that began when Mexican officials publicly announced they had located the missing hiker alive.

The announcement created immediate tension for Feinman’s family. Tijuana’s secretariat for security and citizen protection stated on Saturday that the woman was in the Encino neighborhood. They claimed investigators had verified her identity based on physical characteristics matching a missing person report. The agency even posted the announcement on the social media page of Feinman’s sister, Kara.

Kara Feinman expressed skepticism immediately after seeing the statement. She told local news outlet KSAZ that she was waiting for the Yavapai County sheriff’s office to verify the find. She noted that the woman in the photo had similar physical attributes to Shayna but urged people to be realistic. She said, "I can only hope and pray [for] good news, but right now, we have to be realistic."

Yavapai County officials initially said the information was unconfirmed. Paul Wick, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, stated there was insufficient evidence to verify the identity. He noted that detectives were actively investigating the matter. The office later published a statement acknowledging that media reports about the alleged discovery had been published without official law enforcement confirmation.

The case dates back to March 2024 when Feinman, then 38, was reported missing in rural Yavapai County. She was last seen walking to an acquaintance’s home and never arrived. Her car was found abandoned near where she had been staying with boyfriend Cavett Richards. Her wallet and identification were inside the vehicle, and her cellphone was recovered on nearby land.

Authorities had previously charged Richards and William DalCerro with second-degree murder, conspiracy, and concealing a corpse. Those charges were later dismissed. A $20,000 reward remains open for information that leads to a resolution. The search for the 38-year-old continues.

Kara Feinman believes the confusion started with a concerned citizen who became convinced Shayna was in Mexico. She shared that belief on social media before the official announcement. She described facing cyberbullying from users who judged her reaction to the news. She said, "Words are stronger than people think, and kindness can go far." She added that the situation has been a turmoil and is heartbreaking.