Body Found During Search for Missing 18-Year-Old California Teen,’Obsessed’ Ex Uncooperative
Share this @internewscast.com

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]

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Repeat Offender Convicted for Murdering Girlfriend and Another Woman

Richard Wendell Sotka (Mississippi County, Arkansas Sheriff’s Dept.) and the residence where…

Three People Hurt in Machete Incident at Melbourne House Party

A group of teenagers have stormed a house party armed with machetes,…

Mother and Stepfather Arrested Following 11-Year-Old’s Unassisted Home Birth

An Oklahoma mother and stepfather have been charged with child neglect after…

Man Admits Guilt After Threatening President Trump

Main: President Donald Trump participates in the 157th National Memorial Day Observance…

Police Report Godmother Stood on Car as Girl Was Underwater

Inset left: Nafeeza Samad (Spalding County Sheriff’s Office). Inset right: Toddler named…

Parole Board Rejects Lyle Menendez’s Request for Early Release

A panel of two commissioners denied Menendez parole for three years, after…

North Carolina Man Accused of Abducting Iowa Teen and Transporting Her to North Carolina

A man accused of taking a missing Iowa teen to North Carolina…

Woman sentenced for shooting boyfriend four times in the back

Share copy link Background: News coverage from Peoria, Ill., showing where Roderick…

Man Kills Ex-Girlfriend’s New Partner After Catching Them in Bed

Background: The neighborhood in Alton, Ill., where Jarred Hayes was killed in…

Bungling Arsonist Accidentally Ignites Self During Queensland Tobacco Shop Attack

A clumsy arsonist has accidentally set themself on fire after torching a…

“Former A-League Footballer Guilty of Betting Scam: A Tale of Betrayal”

A former A-League player and his associate have been found guilty and…

Parents of Emmanuel Haro Arrested on Murder Charges as Search for Missing California Baby Proceeds

A California couple is behind bars as the search for missing 7-month-old…