A lieutenant with the San Diego County Sheriff’s homicide detail said in an interview yesterday “we are not giving up” on the search for the McStay family of four who was last seen Feb. 4.
Lt. Dennis Brugos was referring to himself, his staff of detectives and cooperative agencies when speaking about the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Joseph McStay, 40, Summer McStay, 43, and sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph “Joey,” 3, who were residing in a home they had purchased last November in the Lake Rancho Viejo community of Fallbrook/Bonsall. The family was reported missing by Joseph’s brother, Michael approximately two weeks after they were last seen.
Brugos said Michael McStay was coming down from Orange County to meet with detectives again today on the case. Family members have insisted that it is “completely out of character” for the couple to be out of touch for this length of time.
Investigators had searched the McStay’s home and two vehicles by Feb. 21 – one of which was found in a tow lot near the US/Mexico border. A canine search and rescue team was deployed in the search process as well. In summary, Brugos said no new leads were gained in those searches.
Earlier in the investigation, Brugos said detectives were working closely with Mexican officials to view video tapes of the border crossing areas and more. “We have not found any hard evidence of any of the family members crossing the border, but we are still reviewing information,” said Brugos.
“We have two deputy sheriffs that work across the border and do things like check the hospitals, morgue, airports, bus stations, talk to cab drivers, and more,” he added. “It’s very helpful [to have the deputies down there.]”
Brugos said detectives are still talking with McStay’s business associates. “We are in daily contact with them,” he said. Investigators have reported that McStay appears to have been in business with two other individuals.
“I think it’s kind of a partnership business; three guys working together; I’m not sure how much interest each of them own though,” said Brugos. But, Brugos did think the other partners were continuing to operate the business. “As far as I know they were trying to keep it going,” he said.
I THINK THEY WERE KIDNAPPED, I THINK SOMEONE IN MEXICO KNEW THEM, AND PLANNED THIS WHOLE THING OUT. THATS WHY THE CAR IS ADANDONED WHERE IT IS. LOOK AT THE PROGRAM THAT WAS AIRED THIS PAST WEEK, WHERE THIS WOMANS HUSBAND WHAS KIDNAPPED AND HELD IN A BOX FOR 7 MONTHS. SO I THINK THEY JUST TOOK THEM OFF THE STREET, OR FOLLOWED THEM IN THEIR CAR, AND THEN LIKE THE PROGRAM, PULLED THEM OVER AND HAD GUNS. IM SURE THE POLICE IS LOOKING INTO IT. I THINK SOON THEY WILL CALL FOR MONEY, THE PEOPLE IN MEXICO. I DO THINK THEY ARE ALIVE. THEY HAVE TO BE, IF THE KIDNAPPERS WANT MONEY. DONT EVER GIVE UP HOPE. I THINK THEY WILL BE FOUND. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU. BUT IF YOU DIDNT SEE THE PROGRAM ON T.V. I THINK IT WAS 48 HOURS. SEE IF YOU CAN LOOK AT THAT PROGRAM. I REALLY THINK THATS WHAT HAPPENED.