Private Investigators Intensify Search for New Surveillance Footage in Disappearance of Beloved Bay Area Mother Amy Hillyard.
The mysterious disappearance of 52-year-old Amy Hillyard, a cherished mother of two, wife, and co-owner of the popular Farley’s Coffee shop in San Francisco, remains unsolved months after she vanished while walking her dog in Oakland’s Radnor Road neighborhood. With traditional leads drying up, the family has enlisted private investigators who are now making a renewed public appeal for any new or overlooked surveillance videos from the afternoon of March 25, 2026, hoping fresh footage can provide the breakthrough needed to bring Amy home.
Hillyard was last seen around 1:40 p.m. after returning from a therapy appointment. She texted her husband Chris to let him know she was home safely, then took their dog out for a walk. Surveillance captured her briefly speaking with a neighbor before she walked out of view. When Chris returned home around 3:15 p.m., he found her cellphone, keys, and personal items on the kitchen counter with the back door open — but Amy and the dog were gone.
From the outset, authorities classified the case as high-risk due to medical conditions. Amy had been battling significant mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression triggered by recent personal losses. She had been actively seeking professional help and had started new medication. Despite these struggles, those closest to her describe Amy as vibrant, compassionate, and fully engaged in her family life and community through her beloved coffee shop.
Oakland Police have repeatedly stated there is no evidence of foul play or abduction at this time. Determined to leave no stone unturned, the Hillyard family hired private investigators Steve Fischer and Steve Gelinske of Search Investigations, LLC, with funding from a successful GoFundMe campaign. The team is using advanced tools like drones, extensive door-to-door canvassing, and now a targeted video appeal across specific neighborhoods.
Fischer expressed strong confidence that critical evidence exists in surveillance recordings: “With 100% certainty, I believe there is a piece of surveillance that contains a clue.” Investigators are specifically requesting footage from after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, in areas including Cleveland Heights, Park Boulevard corridor, MacArthur Boulevard vicinity, Trestle Glen, and Crocker Highlands. They emphasize that even videos showing no obvious activity or previously reviewed recordings could hold vital details when re-examined.
The community has rallied strongly around the family. Vigils, volunteer searches along park trails, and widespread sharing of Amy’s photo have kept awareness high. The family maintains BringAmyHome.com as a central hub for updates and coordination. Chris Hillyard has spoken openly about his wife’s mental health journey, offering insight while holding onto hope that she is still alive and can be found safe.
Amy is described as 5-foot-4, about 120 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a tan top and tan pants. Her disappearance has deeply affected the Bay Area’s tight-knit coffee, fitness, and family communities, where she was known for her warmth, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication as a mother. Farley’s Coffee continues to serve as a gathering place, with customers and staff honoring her through ribbons and ongoing awareness efforts.
This case underscores the unique challenges of missing persons investigations involving mental health factors. While police maintain their stance on the absence of criminal evidence, the private team’s fresh perspective and technology-driven approach aim to explore every possible path Amy may have taken after leaving home. The renewed focus on surveillance video represents a strategic effort to uncover what happened during those critical hours.
The Bay Area’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, with generous donations funding the investigation and countless hours volunteered. Friends and business associates remember Amy as a pillar of strength who supported others even while quietly managing her own challenges. Her story has prompted broader conversations about mental health resources, community vigilance, and the importance of checking on loved ones.
Anyone with relevant footage is urged to submit it promptly. Even seemingly mundane recordings from home security systems, Ring doorbells, or business cameras could contain the missing piece. Police and private investigators continue to coordinate efforts, emphasizing that every submission matters in this prolonged search.
Amy Hillyard’s case highlights how an ordinary afternoon dog walk in a familiar neighborhood can turn into an enduring mystery. As a devoted mother and business owner, her absence has left a profound void. The collective effort to find her reflects the power of community and the enduring hope that answers will come.
While the official investigation remains active, the Hillyard family’s resilience and the Bay Area’s solidarity provide a beacon of hope. Amy’s vibrant personality, love for her family, and contributions to her community have created a lasting impact. As new videos are reviewed and analyzed, the search continues with determination to bring her home.
This situation also draws attention to the need for enhanced support systems for vulnerable adults facing mental health struggles. Even those who appear strong on the surface can benefit from greater awareness and proactive care. Amy’s story encourages open dialogue and reminds everyone of the importance of looking out for one another.