Merrimack Police Looking For Child Missing For 6 Months

MERRIMACK, NH — Attorney General John M. Formella, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Nathan A. Noyes, and Merrimack Police Chief Brian K. Levesque announced the search for a missing child out of Merrimack.

Officials are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Elijah (Eli) Lewis, 5, of Merrimack, who was last seen by independent individuals approximately six months ago.

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 by the New Hampshire State Police and the New Hampshire Department of Justice. Elijah was never reported missing to authorities prior to this time.

Officials are also looking to speak with Elijah’s mother Danielle Denise Dauphinais, 35, who may be in the company of Joseph Stapf, 30. They are believed to be driving a red/maroon 2007 Toyota Tundra with New Hampshire license plate JOJOD78.

Dauphinais is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighing about 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Stapf is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 170 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. Attached are photos of Dauphinais and Stapf, as well as a photo of a similar red 2007 Toyota Tundra.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Agati, in an interview outside the Merrimack police station, said, “This is not a situation where we think the child walked away.”

Merrimack Police and New Hampshire State Police Major Crime were at 7 Sunset Drive Friday, searching for clues and gathering evidence.

According to Merrimack's online tax records, the property on Sunset Drive is owned by Joanne Stapf. People familiar with the family indicated that Joanne is Joseph Stapf's mother.

Anyone with information on Elijah’s whereabouts, or anyone who knows Danielle Dauphinais or Joseph Stapf’s whereabouts or the location of their truck 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.