Caught on Cam: Missing Couple Leaves Casino

Cecil Knutson, 79 and Dianna Bedwell, 67 were last seen Sunday.

Images from a San Diego County casino surveillance camera document the last known location of a Fullerton couple reported missing on Mother's Day.

In the images, Cecil Knutson and Dianna Bedwell can be seen walking outside Valley View Casino located in the North County. The video was recorded just before 2 p.m.

The couple's son, Robert Acosta of Riverside County, said he knew something was wrong when the couple didn't arrive for a planned family get-together later that afternoon.

Acosta contacted the authorities and has been driving the route he believes his parents would've taken in their white 2014 Hyundai Sonata.

Investigators with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Sheriff's Department or Riverside County Sheriff's Department are helping in the search. Helicopter crews followed the roads that  Knutson, 79 and Bedwell, 67 would have taken from the casino to their son's home in La Quinta.

On Tuesday, family members tacked up missing person fliers in Valley Center stores and gas stations.

The couple's daughter, who came in to town from Nevada, said they're hoping someone -- anyone -- spotted her parents.

"It's actually been harder for me knowing what he's dealt with before I even got here," daughter Debbie Apple said of her brother. "I wish I was a part of that."

Bedwell's phone was tracked to the Deer Springs Road on ramp to Interstate 15, according to family members.

Acosta said it’s very uncharacteristic for his parents to go somewhere without communicating with their family. He's worried they may have been in a car wreck or may have fallen victim to thieves. 

β€œI know my mom is telling my dad, β€˜He’s coming for us,’” Acosta said.

Both are diabetic and dependent on insulin. Acosta has their medicine with him, in hopes that he can give it to them in person.

He's also brought their financial records from their home to give to investigators.

The Florida-based daughter of the missing couple has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for a $5,000 reward. She says the family is coordinating with law enforcement to dispense the money should a tipster find clues to the couple's whereabouts.

Acosta said the family has a special gift waiting for his parents: tickets to "The Donnie and Marie Show."

"The tickets and that card is still sealed and we're waiting to give it to them," he said.

Contact Us