by An Illinois couple and their two children have been missing for more than two months, police said, revealing that the husband had previously been ordered to stay away from the family home over a domestic violence incident.
Stephen Lutz, 44, Monica Lutz, 34, and their sons Nicholas, 9, and Aiden, 11, were reported missing by a relative on February 10. A U-Haul coupled to a vehicle was seen leaving the family’s Newton home in the middle of the night, according to a flyer from the Missing Persons Awareness Network.
The family’s phones last rang in Richmond, Indiana, according to the flyer that was sent out. shared on Facebook by the Newton Police Department. Since then, the phones have been disconnected, authorities said.
Police attempted to locate the family on February 14, according to a press release. The police department said there is no evidence at this time to suggest the family is in immediate danger, but “they are taking the necessary precautions due to the length of time the parties have been missing.” The Missing Persons Awareness Network said in its flyer that the family is believed to be in “grave danger.”
The police department could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday.
In January, Stephen Lutz appeared in court via Zoom on domestic battery charges, according to police. He was released on bail on the condition that he not communicate with or enter the home of the victim or his family, according to the news release. The case is still pending.
Authorities said there have been previous reports of domestic violence in the home. An arrest warrant has been issued for Stephen Lutz.
