Missing teen of Slack co-founder discovered in van with man, 26, now charged with kidnapping
Prominent tech figures Stewart Butterfield and Caterina Fake sighed with relief when they learned that their child, Mint Butterfield, was safe in San Francisco. The 16-year-old, who uses the pronouns they/them to identify as non-binary, disappeared from their Bolinas home on April 21st, setting off a furious search.
The Marin County Sheriff’s Office reports that Mint was discovered over the weekend with a 26-year-old man named Christopher “Kio” Dizefalo. Dizefalo, who was reportedly Mint’s friend, is currently being prosecuted for kidnapping and other crimes. He was taken into custody in a white van carrying Mint in the Tenderloin district, which is recognized as a high-risk area.
Luckily, Mint escaped unscathed. They told investigators they had expressed suicidal thoughts in the past, but they had left their home voluntarily. Suspicions exist, though, that Dizefalo may have influenced their choice.
Mint’s parents and their stepfather, Jyri Engeström, conveyed their appreciation to all those that helped with the search. They praised law enforcement in particular for being aware of possible predators who prey on teenagers.
“A heartfelt thanks to all the family, friends, volunteers and strangers who called in tips and made this recovery possible,” parents and stepdad, tech founder Jyri Engeström, wrote in email to the San Francisco Standard and other local news. “We especially want to thank the seasoned law enforcement officers who understand the very real threat of predators who use the allure of drugs to groom teenagers.”
Mint left a note indicating they were planning to part ways before the reunion. Because Mint had visited the Tenderloin district in the past, authorities had concentrated their search there.
