Imposter Claims to Be Missing Arizona Woman, Shattering Family’s Hopes, Police Say

The search for a missing woman from Arizona has taken an unexpected turn. Authorities have confirmed that the woman recently found in Tijuana is not Shayna Feinman, who disappeared on March 9, 2024.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday that the woman located by Mexican officials was not Feinman, following confirmation from US authorities. While officials have not disclosed the specifics of how this determination was made, they noted that ‘physical evidence’ played a crucial role.

Officials emphasized their continued support for Feinman’s family during this trying period, reminding the public of a $20,000 reward for any information that may lead to locating her.

Despite circulating reports claiming she had been found, the sheriff’s department labeled these stories as unfounded, clarifying that they lacked any official confirmation from law enforcement.

Feinman, 38 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen walking to a friend’s house in the Peach Springs and Hyde Park area near Seligman, Arizona. Her personal belongings, including her cell phone, were discovered at a nearby location, leading to a protracted search by family and authorities.

During her disappearance, police gathered enough evidence to charge her boyfriend, Cavett Richards, with murder and concealment of a body, although no remains were found and the charges were eventually dropped.

The Tijuana Municipal Security and Protection Service (SSPCM) had initially reported that Feinman was located on October 23 in the Encino neighborhood, where she was believed to match the missing person description. However, her family expressed skepticism until they could verify her identity in person.

Kara Feinman, Shayna’s sister, revealed that they had yet to meet the woman in custody and were awaiting further verification from the sheriff’s office. She remarked, ‘There are a ton of people that are short like she was and have dark hair, everywhere,’ emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Detectives are still actively investigating the circumstances of Feinman’s disappearance, with reports suggesting that she was on foot heading to a friend’s house but never arrived. Notably, those last seen with her allegedly are not cooperating with the inquiry, complicating efforts to find answers.

The case remains open and the investigation ongoing, as detectives continue to seek clarity on how Feinman ended up in Mexico.