Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS State and local police investigators work at the scene of a residence on Sunset Drive in Merrimack over the weekend. Officials said they are looking for three people, one of whom is a 5-year-old boy who hasn't been seen in six months. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

MERRIMACK — Divers took to the waters of Naticook Lake on Sunday, the latest step in the intensive, multi-agency law enforcement investigation into the circumstances of the apparent disappearance six months ago of a 5-year-old boy.

State and local authorities have been working out of the state police Major Crime Unit van parked outside of 7 Sunset Drive since Friday, when they went to the address based on information received from the state Division of Children, Youth and Families.

The Sunset Drive home is owned by Joanne Stapf, 62, who is believed to be the mother of Joseph Stapf, 30, one of the two people police are looking for in connection with the case.

The other is Danielle Denise Dauphinais, 35, identified as the mother of the missing boy, Elijah “Eli” Lewis.

Police are also searching for a red, 2007 Toyota Tundra pickup truck, which is apparently owned by Joseph Stapf and bears New Hampshire license plate JOJOD78.

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A state police K-9 unit and Marine Patrol officer head out on Naticook Lake Saturday afternoon as part of an investigation into a missing 5-year-old boy, who hasn't been seen in six months. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

Police have asked that anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Dauphinais, Stapf or Elijah contact the Merrimack Police Department’s Crimeline at 424-2424 or state police headquarters at 223-4381 or 603-MCU-TIPS (603-628-8477).

Det. Sgt. Kelly Healey, the lead investigator, can be contacted directly at Kelly.A.Healey@dos.nh.gov.

Dauphinais is described as 5 feet, 4 inches tall, about 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Stapf is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, approximately 170 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.

During Sunday’s latest phase of the investigation, a state Fish and Game dive team arrived in the morning with two boats and several divers.

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS The state police Major Crime Unit van was stationed outside 7 Sunset Drive in Merrimack throughout Friday and Saturday as detectives conducted an extensive investigation into the disappearance of a 5-year-old boy. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

The divers coordinated efforts on the beach of Naticook Lake adjacent to 7 Sunset Drive, which is still surrounded by crime scene tape police put up Friday.

Officers have been present outside the residence 24 hours a day since Friday.

On Sunday, divers worked in rotation, with two divers going underwater for nearly an hour at a time.

The team coordinated their search locations with state police and Merrimack detectives.

Detectives and a member of the major crime unit used shovels and rakes in the backyard of the Sunset Drive house.

Joseph "JoJo" Stapf, 30, last known address, Merrimack

The dive team and crime unit left the scene late Sunday. Police however remained on scene at the house that continues to be surrounded by crime scene tape.

Contributor Jeffrey Hastings provided content for this report.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

Danielle Denise Dauphinais, 35, last known address Merrimack

Elijah "Eli" Lewis, age 5, missing out of Merrimack; last seen six months ago

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A Marine Patrol officer assists one of the divers with his gear during Sunday's second day of searching in Naticook Lake for clues to the disappearance of a 5-year-old boy, who authorities said hasn't been seen in six months. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

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