Police in California found a body Wednesday, believed to be a teen reported missing Monday from Morgan City.
As stated by the Morgan Hill Police Department, 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli last contacted her family on Saturday via a text at 9:16 p.m. According to KSWB, she mentioned plans to see a friend and intended to “come back the next day,” but she did not come back.
Investigators said she was last seen Sunday at around 9:45 a.m., at a residence off of Trail Drive, right outside the city’s limits, with a man identified as Martin Mendoza. Then, on Wednesday, a family member 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,” polices said on social media. “Detectives are actively seeking information on his whereabouts and urge anyone with knowledge to contact local law enforcement immediately.”
Although the body is believed to that of DiNapoli, Capt. Mario Ramirez of the Morgan Hill Police Department told The New York Post that the condition of the deteriorated body made it difficult to confirm. The body has been sent to the medical examiner’s office for identification.
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]
