An arrest has been made in the murder of a Maryland teen who disappeared last month after going out to put gas in her vehicle.
The body of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson was found in Anne Arundel County on Sunday. On Friday, Prince George’s County Police Chief George Nader announced the arrest of Hugo Rene Hernandez Mendez, 35, for Thompson’s murder.
Nader revealed that investigators established that Thompson had willingly entered Hernandez’s vehicle the night she disappeared. He then drove her to a home in Bowie, where the murder occurred in a bedroom. Subsequently, police stated, he transported the body to its discovered location.
“We don’t believe she was moving around the home,” Nader said. “We think everything happened in the bedroom. We are still investigating the circumstances leading to their meeting.”
Police continue to investigate the “circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death” without releasing information about the cause or manner of death.
Maryland State Police found Thompson’s body about six miles from the Bowie home while responding to a disabled vehicle call unrelated to Thompson or Hernandez. The body’s identification was confirmed in consultation with Thompson’s family.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy informed reporters that Hernandez had previously been arrested by US Park Police for a DUI in April, but was released awaiting trial. An ICE detainer wasn’t filed then, Nader said, but one has now been filed.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson said that police have charged Hernandez with first- and second-degree murder and other related charges. He is being held without bond pending a bond hearing either later today or Monday.
“In the weeks to come my office will do a thorough review of the evidence, and we will determine whether or not Mr. Hernandez Mendez should be indicted, and if so, what he should be indicted for.”
Thompson disappeared on August 22 after telling her father she was headed out to get gas for her vehicle. Daniel Thompson said she texted him shortly before midnight, saying, “I got gas & I’m out. I should be back soon. I love you too. Goodnight <3,” as CrimeOnline reported.
That vehicle, a white, 2013 Ford Edge, was found Saturday at the intersection of Jasmine Terrace and Riggs Road in Langley Park.
