LANHAM, Md. — A 35-year-old man from Bowie has been taken into custody after being charged with the murder of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, who was reported missing by her family on August 23. The police have charged Hugo Hernandez-Mendez with both first- and second-degree murder following the investigation into Thompson’s disappearance.
Authorities revealed that Thompson’s body was discovered in a grassy area near Route 50, close to Annapolis, on August 31. Although the cause of death is still pending, officials anticipate that it will be classified as a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Investigators are currently exploring whether Thompson and Hernandez-Mendez had any prior relationship before the day she went missing.
Hernandez-Mendez is being held without bond in the custody of the Department of Corrections. As the investigation unfolded, new details emerged about Thompson’s last known movements. On the evening of her disappearance, she left her father’s home to run an errand but failed to return, raising concerns among her family.
Footage from surveillance cameras captured Thompson parking her vehicle in Hyattsville before she vanished. Her car was subsequently located two days later parked near the Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Station, with her personal belongings still inside. Her father described a last text message from Thompson, indicating she would return soon—a message that has now taken on a troubling significance.
Investigators noted that surveillance footage from the hours before Thompson went missing showed her interacting with Hernandez-Mendez. After this encounter, she was seen entering his black SUV, which later led to the discovery of evidence indicating she had been killed in his home on Kembridge Drive in Bowie.
In light of this evidence, detectives secured a search warrant for Hernandez-Mendez’s residence, where they found items linked to the case. “Based on the totality of the evidence, detectives arrested and charged Hernandez-Mendez,” police stated, highlighting the suspect’s access to the SUV and his residence’s role in the alleged crime.
The tragic incident has garnered the attention of community leaders, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who expressed his condolences, describing Thompson as a “bright light.” He emphasized the need for accountability and pledged to support efforts to ensure public safety in the wake of this tragedy.
As this investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to contact their local detectives or utilize anonymous tips through Crime Solvers. The community is mourning Thompson’s loss, reflecting on the senseless violence that has touched the lives of so many.