Mint Butterfield, the 16-year-old daughter of Slack co-founder Stewart Butterfield and Flickr co-founder Caterina Fake, who disappeared from her Bolinas, California home, has been safely located.
On Saturday night, law enforcement found the teenager in San Francisco with Christopher “Kio” Dizefalo, a 26-year-old who described himself as her “adult friend.” Dizefalo has been arrested on charges of kidnapping and is currently detained in Marin County Jail with bail set at $50,000. Mint had been considered “at-risk” because of previous suicide threats but is now reunited with her family.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office reported that Mint and Dizefalo were discovered in a white van in San Francisco’s notorious Tenderloin District, a neighborhood known for its elevated crime levels and deemed unsafe for minors.
Thankfully, Mint was found safe, although the circumstances have sparked concerns about her welfare and her relationship with Dizefalo.
Mint’s parents, Stewart Butterfield and Caterina Fake, shared their immense relief and gratitude for their daughter’s safe recovery in a media statement. They extended their thanks to the police, volunteers, and community members who contributed to the search.
Mint’s recovery in San Francisco prompted inquiries about her previous whereabouts and the circumstances of her disappearance. It was revealed she had left a note expressing her desire to run away, which heightened concerns for her safety.
It was also disclosed that Mint had previously visited the Tenderloin area, known for its high crime and drug activity. This event has highlighted the crucial role of community involvement in finding missing persons and ensuring their safety.
