Mill Valley, CA – The Mill Valley Police Department continues to investigate the disappearance of 72-year-old Judy Gilbert, who was reported missing on January 25, 2026, from the area of the 300
block of Vista Linda Drive.
Extensive search efforts were initiated immediately following the report and have continued in coordination with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and numerous regional partner agencies. Initial large-scale search operations were conducted January 25 through January 27, utilizing ground search teams, K-9 resources, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and aviation support.
Since January 28, 2026, search operations have continued on a limited but ongoing daily basis. To date, more than 300 public safety personnel, trained volunteers, and K-9 resources from multiple
counties have assisted in the effort. Collectively, searchers have covered approximately 2,000 miles of trails, fire roads, residential areas, parks, off-road areas and open space.
Search and rescue personnel are currently compiling and analyzing all data collected over the past ten days to identify additional areas that may require searching. Throughout the operation, teams were
equipped with GPS trackers that recorded their movements and documented the areas covered. This data is being carefully reviewed to assess coverage, identify potential gaps, and inform the planning of future search efforts.
Despite these extensive and coordinated efforts, Judy Gilbert has not been located as of the time of this release.
The Mill Valley Police Department continues to actively investigate the circumstances surrounding Gilbert’s disappearance. Based on recent life events, including an abandoned phone conversation, officers determined that Gilbert was despondent and at risk. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that foul play contributed to her being missing. The investigation remains open, and this assessment may change should new information become available.
While search efforts have been focused on Mill Valley and the surrounding area based on information developed during the investigation, information regarding Gilbert’s disappearance has been disseminated well beyond the city. A Silver Alert was activated on the evening of January 25, resulting in the distribution of critical identifying information, including physical descriptions and relevant investigative details, to law enforcement agencies and the public throughout California.
In addition, Gilbert was entered into the Missing and Unidentified Persons System (MUPS) within the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS). As a result, if any law enforcement agency comes into contact with Gilbert anywhere in the United States, they would be immediately notified that she is a reported missing person.
Information was also disseminated through APBnet, a web-based, real-time alert system used by more than 1,500 law enforcement agencies nationwide to share photographs, bulletins, and critical information related to ongoing investigations, including missing persons.
The Mill Valley Police Department continues to work in coordination with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team on limited, continuous search efforts, which may be adjusted based on investigative findings or new information.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. To maintain the integrity of the investigation and ensure the accuracy of information, no further details will be released at this time. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant David Kollerer by calling (415)389-4278 or the Department's anonymous tip line at (415)721-4547.
The Department extends its sincere appreciation to the many agencies, teams, and volunteers who have assisted in this effort, as well as to members of the public for their continued support. Residents in the surrounding area are encouraged to review available surveillance footage and report any information that may assist investigators.
The Department would like to thank the following Search and Rescue organizations for their support during this search: Alameda County SAR, Lake County SAR, Sonoma County SAR, Napa County SAR, Contra Costa County SAR, Santa Clara County SAR, Cal SAR, San Mateo County SAR, Bay Area Mountain Rescue and California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA).
Additional thanks are extended to the Marin Municipal Water District and Marin County Open Space rangers, the Marin County Sheriff's Office, the California Highway Patrol, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, and the Marin County Fire Foundry crew for all of their support with the ground and air search operations.
Finally, the Department would like to recognize and sincerely thank the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team for their invaluable efforts and assistance throughout this search. Their expertise and dedication have been critical to the operation and reflect the strong partnership between the Mill Valley Police Department and Marin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue.
