The missing 16-year-old daughter of Stewart Butterfield, the co-founder of Slack, has been found safe in San Francisco after a days-long search. Mint Butterfield was discovered with a 26-year-old man, Christopher “Kio” Dizefalo, who now faces kidnapping charges.
According to reports from the New York Post, Mint and Dizefalo were located inside a van in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, a neighborhood known for its high crime rate and issues related to drug abuse. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office referred to Dizefalo as an “adult friend” but arrested him on suspicion of kidnapping and other violations. He is currently held on $50,000 bail.
Both Mint and Dizefalo had reportedly left Bolinas voluntarily before being located by law enforcement. The police indicated that Mint has now reunited with her family, who expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the search and recovery efforts.
Stewart Butterfield, along with Flickr co-founder Caterina Fake, thanked the police and investigators, acknowledging the challenges posed by individuals who exploit vulnerabilities in teenagers. Mint had been reported missing after leaving her family’s residence in Marin County, prompting a swift response from authorities and the community.
The incident highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the safety of minors and the risks associated with vulnerable individuals being targeted by predators. The Tenderloin neighborhood, where Mint was found, has been grappling with issues related to homelessness, drug abuse, and criminal activities.
In the tech world, Stewart Butterfield is well-known for co-founding Flickr in 2004 before establishing Slack in 2012, a communication platform widely used in offices worldwide. His daughter’s safe recovery brings relief to the family and underscores the importance of community support in times of crisis.
Sources By Agencies
