The boyfriend of a missing woman is appealing for information as the search continues for her in California. Danielle Staley, 35, from Salt Lake City, was last seen at a bonfire on Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos on November 6. She was reported missing the following day, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.
Staley's personal belongings were discovered on the beach, and she has not contacted her family since her disappearance. Authorities consider her at-risk and missing under suspicious circumstances.
Alx Nunez, Staley's boyfriend, was not present at the bonfire. He reported her missing after waking up the next morning to find she was gone. Nunez went to the beach to search for her and found her purse and backpack on top of a lifeguard shack.
Seeing Staley's face on missing posters has been emotionally difficult for Nunez. "It's breaking my heart," he said. He is urging anyone with information to come forward. "I want to do more than what I've been doing," he added.
The couple had been staying in a camper van near the beach. Investigators are examining the van for clues about Staley's disappearance. The sheriff's office is also asking local residents to share any camera footage from November 5 to November 7 to assist in the investigation.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from the area. Santa Cruz County Sheriff Sgt. Zach West stated that while the office has received numerous calls from the community, these leads have not yet resulted in finding Staley.
The investigation is still classified as a missing person case with suspicious circumstances, and no persons of interest have been established. Nunez is cooperating with authorities. When asked if he had any involvement in Staley's disappearance, he firmly denied it. "Absolutely not," he said. "As God as my witness, I have nothing to do with it."
Nunez acknowledged that he and Staley have had an on-again, off-again relationship for over a decade. They have been traveling through California since late September. He expressed concern that Staley may have relapsed into drug use and has been searching areas known for such activity.
"I just want her back. She's my life, she's my best friend," Nunez said, becoming emotional while thanking the community for their support.
Authorities describe Staley as 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds, with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and leopard print leggings. Anyone with information about Staley is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office at 831-471-1121.

Local News in California

Crooks and Liars
ScienceAlert en Español
PureWow Beauty
Mediaite
RadarOnline