Accused Maryland resident for the murder of missing 19-year-old Dacara Thompson: Law enforcement
In a shocking turn of events, Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, a 35-year-old resident of Bowie, has been arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of Dacara Thompson, a 19-year-old woman from Lanham.
The tragic incident occurred in the early morning hours of Aug. 23. Surveillance footage shows Thompson approaching a black SUV in the vicinity of the incident. After speaking to the driver, she entered the vehicle. The SUV later made its way to a home in the 12000 block of Kembridge Drive in Bowie, where evidence suggests that Thompson was killed in a bedroom at the residence.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not released a cause of death for Thompson, but investigators expect the case to be ruled a homicide. Dacara Thompson's remains were discovered on Aug. 31 in neighboring Anne Arundel County.
Detectives are working diligently to determine whether Hernandez-Mendez and Thompson knew each other before Aug. 23. At this point, it is known that Hernandez-Mendez had access to the SUV and lived in the bedroom where the killing occurred. However, no direct evidence has been found to show interaction or contact between them before the murder on August 23. Hernandez-Mendez is being held without bond.
The joint investigation with county detectives was prompted by the identification of Thompson's remains. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512 or call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Our thoughts are with Dacara Thompson's family and friends during this difficult time. As more information becomes available, we will continue to update this story.
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