A 26-year-old man named Christopher “Kio” Dizefalo appeared in a San Francisco court facing kidnapping charges for abducting Mint Butterfield, the 16-year-old child of billionaire Slack co-founder Stewart Butterfield. Mint, who is nonbinary, went missing from her family home and was found in a white van with Dizefalo and an adult woman named Sarah Atkins in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. Dizefalo was described as an “adult friend” by the sheriff and has a facial tattoo of a scythe. He was arrested on suspicion of child abduction and other violations and is being held on $50,000 bail. The judge issued a warrant for Atkins’ arrest during the court hearing.
The criminal complaint against Dizefalo and Atkins accuses them of maliciously taking, enticing away, keeping, withholding, and concealing a child with the intent to detain and conceal the child from a lawful custodian. Mint’s parents, Caterina Fake and Stewart Butterfield, along with Mint’s stepdad Jyri Engeström, expressed their gratitude to authorities for bringing Mint home. They thanked everyone who called in tips and helped with Mint’s recovery, especially acknowledging law enforcement officers who understand the threat of predators grooming teenagers using drugs. Mint was found physically unharmed, and her parents expressed relief that she was back home.
Dizefalo, who previously attended a private Christian school according to an online profile, was seen wearing a yellow prison jumpsuit and appeared stone-faced during the court hearing. Mint had left a note before going missing, prompting a search that led to her being found after six days in the company of Dizefalo and Atkins. Mint’s family attended the court hearing via Zoom, and Stewart Butterfield did not speak. Mint is known for using they/them pronouns, and the case sparked concern and attention due to the high-profile nature of her family background and the circumstances of her abduction.
The arrest records obtained by the Post indicated that Dizefalo was arrested and booked at Marin County Jail on suspicion of child abduction and other violations. The judge issued a $50,000 bail for Dizefalo, who was shackled during the court appearance. Dizefalo is expected to face legal proceedings for his alleged involvement in Mint’s abduction. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and have issued a warrant for Atkins’ arrest in connection with the kidnapping of Mint. Mint’s family remains grateful for her safe return and for the support they received from the community and law enforcement agencies in locating Mint.
The case involving Mint Butterfield’s abduction by Christopher “Kio” Dizefalo and Sarah Atkins raises questions about the safety and security of high-profile individuals and their families. The circumstances of Mint’s disappearance and subsequent recovery shed light on the dangers of child abduction and the importance of swift action by law enforcement agencies to locate missing children. Mint’s parents expressed relief and gratitude for Mint’s safe return while acknowledging the efforts of authorities and volunteers in aiding in Mint’s recovery. The legal proceedings against Dizefalo and Atkins are ongoing, and Mint’s family continues to advocate for the protection of teenagers from potential predators. The involvement of high-profile individuals in such cases highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance in safeguarding the well-being of children and teenagers in society.
