A missing Arizona woman who vanished two years ago has been found alive in Mexico, according to officials – but her family are still questioning her identity.
Shayna Feinman, from Yavapai, disappeared on March 9, 2024 at the age of 38 when she was walking to a friend's house near Peach Springs and Hyde Park area in Seligman, Arizona.
Her whereabouts were unknown for over two years after police found her cell phone and other belongings at a nearby house – leaving her family searching for answers.
During her disappearance, police even had enough evidence to charge her boyfriend, Cavett Richards, with murder and concealment of a body – despite the fact her remains were never found. The charges were eventually dismissed.
Now, officials in Mexico said that they found Feinman alive on October 23.
But her distraught sister has said the family still have their doubts until they meet with the woman believed to be Feinman face-to-face in Mexico.
The Tijuana Municipal Security and Protection Service (SSPCM) said Feinman was found in the Encino neighborhood and that her characteristics matched the missing woman.
'After confirming her identity, the officers provided her with custody and protection, as well as moved her to a safe location. This was done to enable the consular authorities and her family to contact her and follow up on the relevant procedures,' the SSPCM wrote in a Facebook statement.
Shayna Feinman went missing on March 9, 2024 from the Peach Springs and Hyde Park area near Seligman, Arizona before she was found alive in Mexico on October 23, 2026
Kara Feinman, her sister (right), said that she has not met with the woman in custody in Mexico and has been waiting for confirmation from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office on her identity
The Tijuana Municipal Security and Protection Service (SSPCM) said Feinman was found in the Encino neighborhood and that her characteristics matched the missing woman
Kara Feinman, Shayna's sister, told FOX10 that she has not met with the woman in custody in Mexico and has been waiting for confirmation from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office on her identity.
'There are a ton of people that are short like she was and have dark hair, everywhere,' Kara told the outlet.
'I can only hope and pray [for] good news, but right now, we have to be realistic, rational and calm,' Kara said.
Paul Wick, a spokesperson for Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, said: 'We are aware of reports indicating that Shayna Feinman may have been located in Mexico. At this time, the information remains unconfirmed, and there is insufficient evidence to verify her identity.'
Detectives are searching for more information on the cause of Feinman's disappearance and how she arrived in Mexico as the investigation remains ongoing.
The Yavapai Silent Witness previously offered $20,000 to anyone who may have information regarding Feinman's whereabouts.
'It is believed that Feinman was heading to a nearby friend’s house on foot but never arrived. Detectives have recovered her cell phone on a nearby property and are reporting that the persons last seen with Shayna are not cooperating with the investigation,' YCSO wrote in a social media statement.
According to FOX 10, the YCSO announced probable cause to charge Cavett Richards, Feinman's boyfriend, and William DalCerro, with second-degree murder, conspiracy and concealment of a dead body.
The outlet reported both men were previously arrested on unrelated weapon and stolen vehicle charges and were accused of killing Feinman even though a search team has never recovered her remains.
According to Yavapai County Superior Court documents, the murder charges against both men were dismissed in January 2025.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Yavapai County Attorney's Office for an attorney who can comment on behalf of Richards and DalCerro.
Following Feinman's disappearance, her family previously visited the Peach Springs and Hyde Park area where they were given several of her personal belongings. They also reunited with their family dog they had not seen since she was reported missing.
Detectives are searching for more information on the cause of Feinman's (pictured) disappearance and how she arrived in Mexico as the investigation remains ongoing
Kara (left) said 'there are a ton of people that are short like she was and have dark hair, everywhere,' and that she can only hope for good news
Following Feinman's disappearance, her family previously visited the Peach Springs and Hyde Park area where they were given several of her personal belongings
'Driven by a need for answers and connection, Shayna’s father, Eliot, and sister, Kara, traveled to the area where she was last seen to walk the ground themselves,' YCSO wrote in a social media statement.
At this time the YSW website has not been updated to reflect Feinman being found.
'If you are in the area or surrounding areas, we are asking that you check your camera footage for anything that seems suspicious, or you feel may be relevant for information leading to an arrest in this case. Yavapai Silent Witness is offering $1,500 cash reward for information leading to an arrest in this case,' the YSW wrote on their website.
Officials reported that arrangements are in place with the US Consular office to ensure Feinman has a safe return to her family.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, the Tijuana Municipal Security and Protection Service (SSPCM), and the US Bureau of Consular Affairs for comments.
