FRUITLAND, Idaho — The Fruitland Police Department is investigating a vandalism and theft incident after someone removed signs and banners related to the case of missing child Michael “Monkey” Vaughan.
Fruitland Police say they have identified the suspect, who they claim is cooperating with law enforcement.
WATCH | Law enforcement searching for suspect in Michael Vaughan stolen signs case—
Idaho News 6 reached out to police after receiving a tip that some signs had been stolen and vandalized. Police confirmed they received a report and are now looking for a suspect they describe as "a female with sandy blonde hair, wearing black pants and a red coat."
Fruitland Police say the woman was observed on March 16, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the 700 block of Whitley Court removing signs and banners related to the Michael Vaughan case and damaging another sign before leaving the area westbound on Southwest 8th Street.
The area in question is within walking distance of the Vaughan family home, where Michael was last seen in July 2021.
"These monsters will not intimidate me. Taking these signs will fuel me even more," said Michael's mom, Brandi Vaughan. "I will not stop putting Michael's face out there; we will not stop until we find him."
Vaughan was 5 years old when he disappeared from his Fruitland neighborhood in 2021. More than four years later, Stacey Wondra was charged with murder, kidnapping, and destruction of evidence, and a judge ruled earlier this month that the case will move to trial.
READ MORE | Stacey Wondra to stand trial for the murder of Michael 'Monkey' Vaughan
Regarding the stolen signs, Fruitland Police released surveillance images Friday of the suspect's white GMC Acadia.
An investigation into the theft remains ongoing.
