Hyattsville, Md. — The search for 19-year-old DaCara Thompson has concluded tragically, as her family faces the heartbreaking reality of her death. Prince George’s County Police announced Friday that Thompson’s body was discovered along an embankment near Route 50 in Anne Arundel County on August 31.
In connection with the case, 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez has been arrested and charged with first and second-degree murder. Authorities report that Hernandez-Mendez, who is originally from Guatemala and is residing in the United States illegally, is now in custody. Interim Chief of Police George Nader detailed the developments during a press conference.
The circumstances surrounding Thompson’s disappearance emerged when her father reported her missing on the evening of August 23. He stated that he last saw her the prior night. After failing to reach her via calls and messages, he informed police that she had texted him plans to get gas and go out, but he never heard from her again.
Family members utilized technology to locate her last known cellphone signal on August 24. They traced it to a location in Hyattsville, where they found her vehicle and notified the authorities. The investigation took a grim turn when Maryland State Police discovered her body while responding to a disabled vehicle report on August 31. The remains were in a distressed condition, prompting immediate involvement from local detectives.
Following an autopsy conducted on September 1, detectives were able to identify Thompson through visuals shared with her family. Surveillance footage later revealed crucial details, showing Thompson leaving her vehicle in the early hours of August 23 and getting into a black GMC Yukon Denali, which was tracked to an address in Bowie, Maryland.
Authorities believe that Hernandez-Mendez was the driver of the Yukon and that he took Thompson to his home before her phone was disabled. Investigators established a timeline using cellphone records and surveillance video, documenting her movements leading up to her death.
Police began to focus on Hernandez-Mendez after connecting him to the vehicle. When they approached him on September 4, they noted he exhibited evasive behavior and requested legal counsel when questioned about Thompson’s disappearance. Further investigations included conversations with individuals residing with him, contributing to mounting evidence against him.
Hernandez-Mendez is alleged to have killed Thompson in his home and later disposed of her body near Route 50. This tragic case has devastated Thompson’s family, who had initially held out hope for her safe return. Carmen Thompson, DaCara’s mother, expressed her gratitude for the community support received during the search efforts.
The family had organized a fundraising campaign to cover search and investigative costs but have now shifted their focus toward funeral arrangements. In a statement, they honored DaCara, describing her as a vibrant young woman with limitless potential, while seeking solace in the outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time.