The Brief

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. - The investigation into the disappearance of a Utah woman who vanished from Rio Del Mar State Beach in Santa Cruz County last Thursday night has taken an ominous turn.

Criminal act suspected

What we know:

According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, 35-year-old Danielle Staley was last seen at a bonfire on Rio Del Mar State Beach near Aptos on Thursday, Nov. 6 just before 11:30 p.m.

Investigators have deemed her "at risk" because her personal belongings were found on the beach and her failure to contact her family is considered uncharacteristic behavior.

Utah woman Danielle Staley went missing in Aptos, Calif. on Nov. 6, 2025. / Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office

Staley is described as being 5'6" and 120 lbs with blonde hair. She was la

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