Police detained a California man Sunday, wanted in connection with the disappearance and death of his former girlfriend.
The Morgan Hill Times reports that U.S. Marshals apprehended Martin Mendoza around 2 p.m. in El Centro. He is considered a person of interest in the case concerning the death of 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli.
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office states that Mendoza is “in custody” at the county jail, although the charges against him have not been disclosed. An Imperial County sheriff’s deputy confirmed to the Times that the arrest is indeed associated with a “murder case,” indicating “he’s the one” when questioned.
Morgan City mayor, Mark Turner, then announced the arrest on Facebook Monday morning.
Mayor Mark Turner of Morgan Hill expressed his deep gratitude to the law enforcement agencies involved in capturing Martin Mendoza, as he mentioned on Facebook. “While Martin Mendoza’s capture does not bring Marissa back, it is a vital step towards justice and healing for her family and friends.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, DiNapoli last spoke with family members on Saturday, through a text message at 9:16 p.m. KSWB reports that she said had plans to visit a friend and “return home the following day,” but never returned.
Investigators said she was last Sunday at around 9:45 a.m., at a residence off of Trail Drive, just outside of Morgan City, with Mendoza. On Wednesday, a group with a drone searching for DiNapoli found a body under a bridge at the Anderson Lake County Park and contacted police.
“Martin Mendoza was not cooperative with our initial investigation and is now considered a person of interest in Marissa’s disappearance,” police previously said on social media. “Detectives are actively seeking information on his whereabouts and urge anyone with knowledge to contact local law enforcement immediately.”
The Santa Clara County Coroner’s office confirmed Thursday that the body had been found under the bridge.
DiNapoli reportedly told loved ones that Mendoza, said to be her former boyfriend who she reconnected with as friends in May, had threatened her and made her feel unsafe.
“Marissa has told me, firsthand in the car with my friends outside my house, that he would kill her, that he would not stop, that he’s obsessed with her, that he’s crazy and that he’s willing to go to that extent,” friend Jaslyn Gutierrez said, NBC Bay Area reports.
Anyone with information on the case should contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at (669) 253-4962, or email kyle.tolentino@morganhill.ca.gov. Anonymous tips should be sent to https://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/FormCenter/Police-14/Morgan-Hill-Crime-Stoppers-88, or by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Marissa DiNapoli/Instagram]
