Photo Credit: File Photo
The Marin County Sheriff's Office classified Mint as a runaway, prompting a search that included releasing details about her physical description. She was described as having brown and red curly hair, standing around 5 feet tall, and weighing approximately 100 pounds. Additionally, authorities noted she had pierced eyebrows and was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, flannel pajama pants, and black boots. The Sheriff's Office also mentioned the possibility of her carrying a gray suitcase.
The Marin County Sheriff's Office collaborated with the San Francisco Police Department to locate Mint. According to reports, Mint was found in the Tenderloin district, a notoriously high-crime area of San Francisco. They were discovered in a white van with a 26-year-old man named Christopher "Kio" Dizefalo.
Details regarding the nature of Mint's connection to Dizefalo haven't been publicly disclosed. However, authorities suspect Dizefalo may have played a role in Mint's disappearance. He has been arrested and faces charges of child abduction and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His bail is set at $50,000.
The Butterfield family expressed immense relief upon learning of Mint's safe return. In a joint statement, Stewart Butterfield, Caterina Fake, and Mint's stepfather Jyri Engestrom conveyed their gratitude to law enforcement, volunteers, and the public for their support and assistance in the search efforts. They particularly commended the officers "who understand the very real threat of predators who use the allure of drugs to groom teenagers.
This incident highlights the significant concern and swift action that missing person cases generate. Law enforcement prioritizes locating missing individuals, and the public often plays a crucial role by sharing information and reports of potential sightings.
