Missing woman reportedly found alive in Mexico, but her family has doubts

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — An Arizona woman missing since 2024 has been said to have been found in Mexico, but her family and local law enforcement agencies say they have doubts.

Mexican authorities said Shayna Feinman, 35, who was reported missing in March 2024, was found in Tijuana.

A Tijuana security force said Feinman was found on Oct. 23 after reports of a woman matching her description in an Encino neighborhood.

The security force said the woman was confirmed to be Feinman, but officials with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said they have not been able to independently confirm her identity due to “insufficient evidence.”

Feinman’s sister Kara added that she did not recognize the person in Mexico and didn’t have hard evidence that the person was indeed her sister.

Kara said this was not the first time that Feinman was reported to have been spotted.

Feinman’s sister called these types of reports with little evidence from law enforcement agencies disheartening to the family.

Tijuana officials said they have taken the woman in question to a safe location to await contact with the Feinman family and U.S. authorities.

No further details were immediately shared about how Feinman may have ended up in Mexico.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies said Feinman vanished without a trace on March 9, 2024, while walking to a friend’s house.

Two men were arrested in connection with her disappearance in 2024. Loved ones said they have been holding onto hope of her return.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office reports it continues to investigate the new developments in the case.