Alx Nunez, Danielle Staley‘s boyfriend, has spoken out about the circumstances of Staley’s disappearance at a California beach bonfire on November 6 in Santa Cruz County.
In an exclusive KSBW interview, Nunez, 62, says he reported Staley missing the day after she went missing. He denies he has any idea what happened to her, and says he has offered to take a lie detector test. Nunez says he decided to go on camera to push back on social media controversy suggesting he’s involved. Authorities have not named Nunez a suspect in the case, but have said foul play could be possible, and that Staley could be at risk.
Conflict with Staley’s family
According to Nunez, Staley’s stepfather has traveled from Utah to California to assist in the search. According to Nunez, Staley’s stepdad, with whom he says she has a strained relationship, “comes here and starts saying that I’m withholding information. I have nothing to withhold. I’ve told them everything. I’ve been completely straight-up honest. I’ve given up my vehicle to them.”
Staley’s mother and brother have also spoken out, expressing years of concern about Nunez, describing their 13-year on-again-off-again relationship as “extremely abusive” and “manipulative,” according to KSBW.
What happened to Danielle Staley?
Staley, 35, vanished around 11:20 p.m. at a bonfire on Rio Del Mar State Beach near Aptos, California, in the company of a group of unidentified people. She had been traveling with Nunez in a white camper van. Nunez has cooperated with law enforcement.
Nunez tells KSBW he believes Staley may have relapsed on drugs and may now be traveling with other drug users. Following her disappearance, Staley’s personal belongings—including her cellphone—were found abandoned on the beach, which authorities say is highly unusual for her. Investigators note that she has no local ties to the area, and her lack of contact with family back in Utah is “uncharacteristic” for her.
“The boyfriend, the husband, we’re the number one suspect all the time,” Nunez told KSBW. “And all I want to do is help try to find her. And I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying put. I want to do whatever it takes.”
Referring to a polygraph, he said, “It’s open. If they want me to take one. I offered. I offered to take one. I have no problem with it. It’s up to them. Whatever they want to do, they can do it I just want to help try and find her.”
Staley is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall and 120 pounds, with blond hair. When she disappeared, she was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and leopard-print leggings.
Published: Nov 20, 2025 08:31 am