The LAPD on Monday released another photo of 21-year-old Elisa Lam, a Canadian of Chinese descent who was reported missing.
Lam was last seen on Jan. 31 at the Cecil Hotel, 640 N. Main St. between Sixth and Seventh streets in downtown Los Angeles. She was traveling alone from Vancouver, British Columbia, and arrived in Los Angeles on Jan. 26. Her final destination was Santa Cruz.
The LAPD has also released surveillance video showing Lam entering an elevator in the hotel, pressing several buttons, and exiting the elevator.
Alex Martinez of the LAPD told CBS Los Angeles, “We see her going in and out of the elevator several times. That is strange.”
Lam is also seen outside the elevator making strange hand gestures. At times she appears to be looking for or hiding from someone, but does not look frightened.
She never checked out of the hotel, and investigators have gone through her room in search of clues.
Although some online reviews describe the hotel and surrounding neighborhood as unsafe, CBC News quoted Lt. Walter Teague of the Robbery-Homicide Division as saying, “I don’t believe she had any idea that might be a location to be worried about.”
Lam has been taking public transportation, including Amtrak and buses. Her family was in daily contact with her until Jan. 31, and police fear she may have met with foul play.
Accompanied by her family, the LAPD released a photo of Lam at a press conference on Feb. 6. The family has declined to speak to the media.
Lam is 5 feet, four inches tall, weighs 115 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. She speaks English and some Cantonese. She may suffer from mild depression.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detectives Wallace Tennelle and Greg Stearns at the Homicide Special Section, Robbery-Homicide Division, at (213) 486-6890 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
During non-business hours, including weekends and holidays, contact the Detective Information Desk of RACR (Real-time Analysis and Critical Response) Division at (877) LAPD 247 (527-3247), a 24-hour, toll-free number.
To send cell phone text tips, text the word “LAPD” and your message to CRIMES (274637). To send web tips, log onto www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”
