A man, reportedly in the U.S. without legal status, has been charged with the murder of a missing 19-year-old Maryland woman, whose body was found near a highway earlier this week.
Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, residing in Bowie, Maryland, was taken into custody on Thursday concerning the murder of Dacara Thompson, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Hernandez-Mendez is an illegal immigrant and had a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer issued on Thursday, according to WJLA-TV.
The Prince George’s County Police Department informed Fox News Digital that they would not disclose the immigration status of Hernandez-Mendez. ICE did not provide an immediate response when contacted by Fox News Digital for comment.
Hernandez-Mendez was charged with first- and second-degree murder in Thompson’s death.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued a statement on Friday regarding the death investigation, describing Thompson as a “bright light” dedicated to public service.
“Our entire state mourns the tragic loss of Da’Cara Thompson, whose life was cut short by a senseless act of violence,” stated the governor, pledging to utilize “every tool at our disposal” to bring those responsible to justice.
The 19-year-old’s cause of death has yet to be determined, though police said it may be ruled a homicide based on the evidence collected.
As the investigation is still in progress, police stated that detectives are working to ascertain whether any prior relationship existed between Hernandez-Mendez and Thompson before she disappeared.
Hernandez-Mendez is currently being held without bond by the Maryland Department of Corrections.
