Search For Missing Morris Co. Teacher Focuses In On Nature Preserve

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The search for a missing Morris County woman has led authorities to a wildlife preserve near the hotel where the woman's abandoned car was discovered the morning after she went missing.

Lara Emanuele, 46, of Roxbury, has been missing for six days.

A coordinated operation, including a civilian search party, has canvassed the woods of Berkshire Valley State Wildlife Management Area, which borders the Mount Arlington Holiday Inn Express, where Emanuele's vehicle was discovered, in the days since she went missing.

"The search area is comprised of heavily wooded terrain and there are areas that may have dangerous wildlife. Trained K-9 dogs being utilized to track in the search area and having unknown individuals in that area could impact the search efforts,” Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said.

Emanuele has been missing since Wednesday. She is described as 5-foot-6, with red hair, and weighing approximately 125 pounds.

While authorities continue to canvass the 50,000-square-foot woodlands, they are asking hunters to assist investigators by reviewing all footage captured since June 7 and alerting the Roxbury Police Department or emailing Det. Tom Gaboda directly at tgaboda@roxburypd.com if they see anyone on their recordings.

Police did not disclose what led them to the wildlife preserve, or any further updates on the investigation.

“I’d like to assure the public that all capabilities available to law enforcement are being utilizedto locate Lara. We understand the public’s concerns, and we will do our best to update the community whenever possible," Carroll said. "I want to thank all of the law enforcement personnel involved for their dedication and tireless efforts in this continuing search.”

Emanuele works as a teacher at Alexander Hamilton School in the Morris School District, Meghan Knab, a spokeswoman for the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, confirmed on Monday.

During the Monday night School Board meeting, Superintendent of Schools Anne Mucci discussed Emanuele's disappearance saying that the school district is all praying for her safe return.