6-28-2023 3:44pm

Authorities Provide Update on Roxbury Missing Person Case, Search for Lara Emanuele Continues

Multiple law enforcement agencies coordinate efforts in an expansive search, urging the public to disregard misleading social media rumors and speculation.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office, in conjunction with local law enforcement and multiple search and rescue teams, continues their coordinated search for Lara Emanuele, a 46-year-old woman reported missing on June 7.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone announced updates on this ongoing investigation, revealing a broad-ranging search effort including officers, K-9 units, technical support, and trained civilians from multiple counties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Emanuele disappeared after failing to return home from work. Her car was later discovered on June 8 in the parking lot of a hotel on Howard Boulevard. Emanuele's cell phone was found in her abandoned vehicle. Security footage confirmed she exited her vehicle alone and left the area of her own accord.

While Emanuele's disappearance is not currently considered suspicious, authorities remain concerned for her well-being due to her abrupt departure. The investigation remains open, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is the lead law enforcement agency on this case.

The intensive search has been concentrated around the Berkshire Valley State Wildlife Management Area and surrounding regions. Resources such as drones and specially trained K-9 units are being used, with operations being subject to weather conditions.

Concurrently, a comprehensive investigation is being carried out, which includes reviewing video surveillance from various sources, digital communications, canvasing multiple locations, conducting interviews, and implementing other standard procedures.

Prosecutor Carroll expressed the challenges and tireless efforts of law enforcement and volunteers, saying, "We understand that this is a difficult time for Ms. Emanuele’s family, and the Roxbury Alexander Hamilton School communities... The officers and volunteers who work tirelessly to find Ms. Emanuele deserve our gratitude."

He also addressed the spread of rumors and speculation on social media, urging the public to disregard information from unauthorized sources.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding Emanuele's whereabouts to contact the Roxbury Police Department or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit.