Sign in

Missing Slack co-founder's daughter Mint Butterfield found in San Francisco, ‘kidnapper’ arrested

San Francisco tech billionaire's daughter Mint Butterfield found with an ‘adult friend’ who's now in custody and facing kidnapping charges.

Updated on: Apr 29, 2024, 11:10:17 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Mint Butterfield, 16-year-old daughter of Slack co-founder Stewart Butterfield and Flikr co-founder Caterina Fake, who went missing from her home in Bolinas, California has been found.

Mint Butterfield, daughter of Slack co-founder Stewart Butterfield and Flickr co-founder, Caterina Fake has been found
Mint Butterfield, daughter of Slack co-founder Stewart Butterfield and Flickr co-founder, Caterina Fake has been found

The police found the teenager in San Francisco on Saturday night, accompanied by Christopher “Kio” Dizefalo, a 26-year-old man who identified himself as her “adult friend.” The man is now facing kidnapping charges and under arrest. He was booked at the Marin County Jail and held on $50,000 bail. Mint, who had previously been deemed “at-risk” due to past threats of suicide is now with her family.

According to reports from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, Mint and Dizefalo were found parked in a white van in the notorious Tenderloin District of San Francisco. The area is known for its high crime rate and is considered unsafe, especially for minors.

Fortunately, Mint was found unharmed, but the situation raised questions about her well-being and the nature of her relationship with Dizefalo.

Stewart Butterfield, Mint’s father and co-founder of Slack, along with Mint’s mother, Caterina Fake, expressed relief and gratitude upon hearing of their child’s safe return. In a statement to the media, they thanked law enforcement officers, volunteers, and members of the community who assisted in the search efforts.

The discovery of Mint in San Francisco raised questions about her whereabouts and the events leading up to their disappearance. She had allegedly left a note indicating her intention to run away, prompting concerns about her safety and well-being.

Authorities revealed that Mint had previously frequented the Tenderloin neighborhood, which is known for its high crime rate and prevalence of drug-related activities. Mint’s disappearance and subsequent discovery underscored the importance of community efforts in locating missing individuals and ensuring their safe return home.

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More