The Davis' are known for their battle to keep Moe, their pet chimpanzee, at their West Covina home. When he was moved to an animal sanctuary, two other chimps escaped their cage in 2005.
La Donna lost her thumb, and St. James lost his foot, genitals and face. "I've been through 60 surgeries," St. James said.
The couple became victims again when the thief showed no mercy and snatched La Donna's purse in a moment of distraction.
"I feel violated. I don't want this to happen to anyone else, and it should not have happened to us. The suspect approached St. James and could see full well that he was disabled and in a wheelchair," La Donna said during a news conference.
The purse contained money, medicine and difficult to replace medical information.
The couple appealed to the public for help.
"Without it, we are having a very difficult time. The suspect needs to be found. Please, please, please help us," La Donna said.
The suspect is described as 5'6, 150 to 160 pounds, and left the store with an accomplice driving a full-size white truck.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the West Covina Police Department at (626) 939-8685. West Covina detectives said they have been receiving tips, but they could use more.
