by Prince George’s County, MD – Authorities have identified a body found along a Maryland highway as 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, a missing woman from Prince George’s County. Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, a man illegally in the United States, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder and is being held without bail.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the killing “an act of senseless violence” and urged Marylanders to keep Thompson’s family in their prayers.
Search and Discovery
Family members had been searching for Thompson for more than two weeks after she left the home she shared with her father in Lanham. Her body was found on Sunday, August 31, in a grassy area off Route 50 in Anne Arundel County, nearly a week after she was reported missing.
Authorities reported that Thompson suffered skull and facial fractures. Her family identified her by tattoos and jewelry. According to charging documents, Hernandez-Mendez threw her body off the U.S. 50 bridge into the South River, a drop estimated at over 30 feet.
Prince George’s County Police Chief George Nader stated:
“There’s still a lot of investigative work to be done in this case.”
Events Leading to Her Disappearance
Thompson reportedly left her home around 10 p.m. on August 22 to get gas. Her father, Daniel Thompson, last spoke to her via text before midnight:
“I got gas and I’m out. I should be back soon. I love you too. Goodnight.”
Surveillance footage shows Thompson entering her white Ford Edge SUV in Hyattsville before approaching Hernandez-Mendez’s GMC Yukon Denali. Police believe she willfully got into his vehicle and drove to a home in the 12000 block of Kembridge Drive in Bowie.
Suspect’s Actions and Evidence
According to court documents, Hernandez-Mendez allegedly killed Thompson in his bedroom. A roommate reported hearing grunting noises, suggesting a struggle. Police executing a search warrant found what they believed to be Thompson’s blood, missing fingernails, hair, a wig, and women’s clothing items in the bedroom and trash.
Hernandez-Mendez initially denied involvement during questioning but requested a lawyer, ending the interrogation. Investigators continue to determine if Thompson and the suspect knew each other before August 23.
Immigration and Legal Background
Officials confirmed Hernandez-Mendez was in the United States illegally. He was previously arrested by U.S. Park Police for a DUI five months ago but was released pending trial. Authorities said ICE issued a detainer for him on Thursday, following the murder investigation.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy criticized federal agencies for releasing the suspect, highlighting concerns about public safety.
Community and Government Response
Governor Moore praised Thompson’s commitment to public service, noting she had joined the Maryland Service Year Option program right out of high school. He said:
“She was a bright light in our state. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure those responsible for this crime are held accountable and honor Da’Cara’s legacy of service.”
The case has drawn national attention due to similarities with other crimes involving individuals in the U.S. illegally, prompting renewed discussion about federal immigration enforcement.
Next Steps
Hernandez-Mendez remains held without bail, while detectives continue to investigate the motive and full circumstances of Thompson’s death. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Prince George’s County Police at 301-516-2512.
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