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Public's Help Sought In 'Suspicious' Disappearance Of Canadian Woman

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing Canadian woman whose disappearance has been deemed "suspicious".

Elisa Lam, 21, was traveling alone when she was last seen on Jan. 26 at the Cecil Hotel on Main Street in downtown Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Her reason for traveling in the state was unclear, but her final destination was apparently in Santa Cruz. Police said Lam tends to use public transportation, such as Amtrak and municipal buses.

The disappearance of the Vancouver, British Columbia resident "may suggest foul play," police said.

Elisa Lam 2nd photo
Elisa Lam

Lam is described as an Asian woman of Chinese descent. She has black hair, brown eyes and stands 5 feet 4 inches tall. She weighs about 115 pounds. She is fluent in English and also speaks Cantonese.

Anyone with information regarding Lam's disappearance is asked to call Detectives Tennelle or Stearns at RHD's Homicide Special Section at (213) 486-6890. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips."

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