Update: Merrimack Couple Still In New York; New Hampshire Boy Still Missing

MERRIMACK, NH — Two people wanted for questioning about a missing boy case in Merrimack were arrested in New York City on Sunday.

Officers of the New York City Transit Authority in the Bronx, New York, located and then arrested Danielle Denise Dauphinais, 35, and Joseph Stapf, 30, on warrants issued in an investigation in New Hampshire of Elijah Lewis, 5, a boy who has not been seen in about six months. Both Dauphinais and Stapf were charged with witness tampering and child endangerment.

The witness tampering charges alleged they each asked other people to lie about Elijah and where he was living knowing that child protection service workers were searching for Elijah. The endangerment charge alleged they violated a duty of care, protection, or support for Elijah. Danielle Elijah's mother.

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Dauphinais and Stapf were originally scheduled to be arraigned in New York on Monday. As of late Monday night, the arraignment had not been held and both remained in the custody of New York police.

The state of New Hampshire has sought their extradition. If they choose to waive formal extradition, they will be returned to New Hampshire for arraignment in Hillsborough County Superior Court, Southern District later this week.

Officials are continuing to search for Elijah and are requesting the public’s assistance in locating him.

In an interview with Senior Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Agati, he was asked if this was considered a recovery mission, at this point. He said he was fearful it may be headed in that direction. Agati said officials remain hopeful the boy will be found safe.

Agati was asked about other children that Dauphinais may have and he said all the other children have been accounted for and are safe.

As previously reported, Elijah’s unknown whereabouts were brought to the attention of authorities by DCYF on Thursday.

The Merrimack Police Department immediately began an investigation and was assisted later that day by the New Hampshire State Police and the New Hampshire Department of Justice. Elijah was never reported missing to authorities prior to this time. Elijah’s photo is attached to this release as well.

Several law enforcement agencies worked through the weekend search for clues in the investigation. Saturday New Hampshire State Police and Marine Patrol spent several hours searching Naticook Lake using a specialized Plott Hound trained in searching for people. State Police Major Crime worked with Merrimack Police Detectives at an address on Sunset Drive, which is the last place the child was believed to be living. Several items were photographed and removed from the State Police truck used to collect and document evidence.

Sunday New Hampshire Fish and Game Dive Team launched two boats and put several divers in the water of Naticook Lake searching the water near the Sunset Drive house. State Police and Merrimack Detectives could be using shovels and rakes in the backyard of the house near a shed.

Monday morning, a state police helicopter was flying at low levels around Naticook Lake and Greens Pond. State Police also had a drone flying over a wooded area and worked on the ground with officers and K-9s.

Agati said the search will continue until Elijah is located. The area of Sunset Drive is the focus because that is the last place that Elijah had been seen. Authorities said due to the amount of undeveloped land, dense woods, and Lake Naticook several agencies are involved.

Late Monday afternoon NH Fish and Game removed the boat carrying the side-scan sonar from the water. It appeared nothing was located or removed when the boat arrived at the shore.

The New Hampshire State Police helicopter searched Lake Naticook for several hours and also flew over Green's Pond. They cleared from the area late in the afternoon.

Anyone with information on Elijah’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Merrimack Police Department’s Crimeline at 603-424-2424 or New Hampshire State Police Communications at 603-223-4381 or 603-MCU-TIPS (603-628-8477). Lead Investigator Detective Sergeant Kelly Healey, Major Crime Unit, can be contacted directly at Kelly.A.Healey@dos.nh.gov.

Based on the information currently known to investigators, there does not appear to be any danger to the public. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available while protecting the integrity of the investigation.

Patch will continuously update this article as more information becomes available.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news