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.
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