Boyfriend of woman who vanished at California beach bonfire speaks out, makes plea for public's help

The boyfriend of a missing Utah woman, who disappeared earlier this month at a California beach, is appealing to the public for any leads, as authorities suspect potential foul play in her case.

According to FOX11 Los Angeles, Danielle Staley, 35, was last seen on November 6 around 11:30 p.m. at a bonfire on Rio Del Mar State Beach near Aptos. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office indicated that new developments suggest Staley could be “at risk” and there is a possibility of “foul play” involved.

In an interview with KSBW, Alx Nunez, who is identified as Staley’s boyfriend, expressed his determination to find her, stating, “I’m not stopping until I find her. And I’m not going anywhere, I’m right here.” He thanked the public for their efforts and urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the dedication of detectives working on the case. “As God as my witness, I have nothing to do with it,” he added.

Amidst the backdrop of debris-strewn waves, a woman is seen walking along Rio Del Mar State Beach following a severe storm that impacted California’s Central Coast in January 2023. (Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Woman standing near waves at Rio Del Mar State Beach in California

Nunez disclosed that he was not present at the bonfire on the night Staley disappeared. Instead, he had fallen asleep in their camper van, which is currently being examined by police for any evidence, as reported by KSBW.

Nunez said he did not attend the bonfire on the night of Staley’s disappearance and instead fell asleep in the camper van they were traveling in. The van is still being searched by police for evidence, according to KSBW.  

“And when I woke up, she wasn’t there, so I’m saying there’s cameras there, there’s a whole private subdivision that isn’t nothing but cameras, and there has to be some video surveillance of something cars going in and out between about 11 o’clock and six in the morning,” the station quoted him as saying.

A sheriff’s office spokesperson told KTVU that Staley was with an “unknown group” at the beach around the time she disappeared. 

Parking lot at Rio Del Mar State Beach in California.

Rio Del Mar State Beach in California. A Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told KTVU that, “Staley’s personal belongings were found on the beach.” (Google Maps)

“Staley’s personal belongings were found on the beach, and she has not been in contact with her family — behavior that is uncharacteristic and has raised additional concern,” Sgt. Zach West told the station. 

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