Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, was arrested Thursday in connection with the killing of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, whose body was discovered near Route 50 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Authorities charged Hernandez-Mendez with first- and second-degree murder, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department.
The police investigation revealed that Thompson was reported missing on August 23. Security footage shows Thompson approaching a black SUV in the early hours of that day, speaking with the driver before entering the vehicle. The SUV was later traced to a residence in Bowie, where Hernandez-Mendez lives.
Officers executed a search warrant at the home and found evidence indicating that Thompson was killed in a bedroom there. Hernandez-Mendez has access to the vehicle seen in the footage and lived in the same home where the killing is believed to have occurred.
Hernandez-Mendez, who is reportedly in the U.S. illegally, had an ICE detainer issued on the day of his arrest. Authorities confirmed he is being held without bond by the Maryland Department of Corrections.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued a statement mourning the loss of Thompson and promised to use all resources to hold those responsible accountable.
The investigation is ongoing, with detectives working to determine whether Hernandez-Mendez and Thompson knew each other prior to the incident.
