Prince George’s County police have arrested and charged a Maryland man for the dying of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, whose disappearance in late August led to the invention of her physique in Anne Arundel County.
Police recognized the suspect as Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, of Bowie, who’s charged with first- and second-degree homicide. Officers say Hernandez-Mendez is being held with out bond.
Disappearance and Discovery
In accordance with NBC Washington, Thompson was final seen on the evening of Aug. 22 when she left her father’s Lanham residence to place gasoline in her automobile. Her household reported her lacking the following day.
Thompson’s automobile was discovered on Aug. 24 close to a volunteer hearth station together with her purse inside however together with her telephone lacking and disabled.
Maryland State Police found a physique on Aug. 31 in Anne Arundel County. Authorities later confirmed the stays as Thompson, prompting a joint investigation with county detectives.
Surveillance and Proof
In accordance with court docket paperwork cited by NBC Washington, surveillance footage from the early morning of Aug. 23 confirmed Thompson parking her Ford Edge SUV earlier than strolling to loads behind a Household Greenback retailer in Langley Park. She was seen approaching a black GMC Yukon Denali, chatting with the motive force, after which entering into the entrance passenger seat.
Reported by ABC Information, investigators say the SUV went to a house on Kembridge Drive in Bowie, the place proof indicated Thompson was killed in a bed room.
Detectives searched that residence, the place Hernandez-Mendez lived. A roommate advised police he overheard the suspect in his room on Aug. 23 with a girl who “didn’t appear to be having a great time.”
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives are nonetheless investigating whether or not Hernandez-Mendez and Thompson knew one another earlier than Aug. 23. The Workplace of the Chief Medical Examiner has not launched a reason for dying however is anticipated to rule the case a murder
NBC Washington experiences Hernandez-Mendez was residing in the US illegally and had been arrested by U.S. Park Police in April for suspected DUI on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Federal authorities launched him pending trial.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Hernandez-Mendez is a Guatemalan nationwide and issued a detainer on Sept. 4.
ICE said:
“Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, an unlawful alien from Guatemala, has been charged with first and second-degree homicide within the ugly dying of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson. ICE has issued a detainer for this felony unlawful alien and justice might be served for this Maryland household.”
Neighborhood and Authorities Response
Thompson graduated from St. Charles Excessive College in Waldorf and was working at a nonprofit by way of the Maryland Service Yr Choice.
Prince George’s County Govt, Aisha Braveboy, said to NBC Washington, Thompson was “a great, good, good younger lady who wished to do good for her neighborhood,” and the county will help her household as they search justice.
In a press release launched by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Thompson was “taken from us by an act of mindless violence” and was “a vivid gentle in our state.”
In NBC Washington, neighbors in Bowie mentioned they had been surprised by the allegations. One lady mentioned, “To listen to about what occurred to that poor lady, I’m actually sorry for the household and I actually hold them in my prayers.”
Police urge anybody with info to contact the Prince George’s County Murder Unit at 301-516-2512 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
The investigation continues.