Family still without answers two years after woman disappears in Arizona - and reported sighting in Mexico proves false

Family still without answers two years after woman disappears in Arizona - and reported sighting in Mexico proves false Shayna Feinman, 35, disappeared on March 9, 2024, while walking to a friend’s house in the Seligman area of Arizona - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in An Arizona family is still without answers after a report from Mexican authorities that their missing loved one had been found turned out to be false. Shayna Feinman, 35, disappeared on March 9, 2024, while walking to a friend’s house in the Seligman area of Arizona, an hour west of Flagstaff. On Monday, Mexican authorities said they had identified a woman found in Tijuana’s Encino neighborhood as Feinman, citing her physical appearance. But Feinman’s family was unconvinced. Feinman’s sister, Kara Feinman, told Arizona Family that she did not recognize the woman and had no concrete evidence that she was her missing sister. The family’s doubts proved justified. On Tuesday, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona said U.S. authorities confirmed through physical evidence that the woman found in Mexico was not Feinman. “The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is aware of circulating news reports regarding the alleged discovery of Shayna Feinman. Those news stories were published without official law enforcement confirmation,” the sheriff’s office said. “Today, U.S. authorities confirmed to YCSO detectives, utilizing physical evidence, that the individual located is not Shayna Feinman.” Kara Feinman told AZ Family that previous reported sightings have been difficult for the family, especially when authorities provide little evidence. “Please remind the public that kindness to others, especially during devastatingly hard situations like this, is what restores faith in humanity. People working together to help like many did for this situation, creates community. It helps rebuild and restore what is missing from our lives,” Kara Feinman told 12 News in a statement Tuesday. The woman found in Tijuana was taken to a safe location but officials have not released an updated identification. Shayna Feinman was reported missing in 2024 after failing to pick up her dog from a neighbor, who found her car near the property where she lived with her boyfriend of 18 months, according to 12 News. Detectives found her cellphone on nearby land and said the last two people seen with her, her boyfriend and the property owner, did not cooperate with the investigation. Although Feinman’s body was never found, investigators said they had enough probable cause to charge two men in connection with her suspected death. Her boyfriend, Cavett Richards, and property owner William DalCerro, 58, were charged in August 2024 with offenses related to her disappearance. However, court records show the murder cases against both men were dismissed in 2025, 12 News reported Tuesday. The men were also suspected of involvement in separate crimes involving evidence tampering and possession of a stolen vehicle. Anyone with information that could help locate Feinman is asked to contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260 or submit an anonymous tip through Yavapai Silent Witness. A $20,000 reward remains available for information. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments