Massive Multi-County Search Continues For Missing Mill Valley Woman

MILL VALLEY, CA – The Mill Valley Police Department provided an extensive update on the ongoing search for a missing 72-year-old woman at the Monday City Council meeting, assuring the community that the investigation remains active.

Judy Gilbert was reported missing around 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 after reportedly walking away from her home on Vista Linda Drive several hours earlier. Sergeant Ryan Smith of the MVPD told the council that officers determined Gilbert was despondent and at risk based on recent life events and an abandoned phone conversation.

An immediate search was launched, quickly escalating into a multi-agency operation. By 4:45 p.m. on the first day, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team had arrived at the command post, initially set up at Edna Maguire School. Approximately 40 search-and-rescue personnel, supported by a Sonoma County Sheriff’s helicopter, a Marin County Sheriff’s drone team, and K-9 units, searched until 2 a.m. without success.

Over the following days, the operation rapidly expanded. On the second day, roughly 80 personnel were involved, growing to 93 on the third day. Personnel and resources were mobilized from search-and-rescue units across eight counties — Lake, Napa, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Alameda, and Marin — along with Marin County Fire and Open Space. The California Highway Patrol also deployed a fixed-wing aircraft with infrared to cover inaccessible terrain.

Sergeant Smith noted the extraordinary scale of the effort.

"I've never seen anything like this. I've been a police officer for 28 years," Smith said. "[It’s] more than I've ever seen for someone in this type of circumstance."

Searchers have logged an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 miles of walking in the search area. The initial large-scale search concluded on January 27, shifting to a limited but continuous search since Jan. 28, with trained volunteer teams still actively looking.

To date, over 300 public safety personnel, trained volunteers, and K-9 resources from multiple counties have assisted in the effort, covering approximately 2,000 miles of trails, roads, and open space.

The investigation has also extended beyond Mill Valley. A Silver Alert was activated on Jan. 25, sending identifying information throughout California. Gilbert was also entered into the Missing and Unidentified Persons System and APBnet, ensuring law enforcement agencies nationwide are notified if she is encountered.

Mayor Max Perrey thanked all participating agencies, noting the community's strong support. Smith also acknowledged the community, citing Mill Valley Market for providing food for over 90 searchers on one of the days.

The MVPD stresses that the investigation remains active. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest foul play. Authorities encourage residents in the surrounding area to review any available surveillance footage and report any information that may assist investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant David Kollerer at (415) 389-4278 or the Department's anonymous tip line at (415) 721-4547.