DaCara Thompson: Court Documents Reveal Crucial Evidence Left in Home of Man Who ‘Unalived’ Her

The Disappearance That Haunts

On August 22, 2025, 19-year-old DaCara Thompson left her father’s home in Lanham, Maryland, saying she was going to get gas—and sent a final text:

I got gas and I’m out. I should be back soon. I love you too. Goodnight.”

35-Year-Old Man Arrested in Alleged Murder of 19-Year-Old Dacara Thompson Inside His Bedroom - HypeFresh Inc

She never returned. Her family reported her missing the next day. Authorities soon found her car abandoned in Hyattsville—with her purse intact, but her phone and keys missing.

Dacara Thompson investigation: Hugo Hernandez-Mendez arrested, charged with teen's murder | FOX 5 DC

Crucial Surveillance Footage

Investigators obtained surveillance footage capturing the terrifying moments before her disappearance:

Around 1:30 a.m. on August 23, DaCara is seen walking away from her car near Langley Park.

Later, she approaches a black SUV—then enters the passenger side

Man in US illegally charged with murder after missing 19-year-old woman found dead, officials say

The SUV was traced to a home in the 12000 block of Kembridge Drive in Bowie, Maryland.

Court Documents: The Scene of the Crime

During the police search on September 4, the residence was revealed to be more than a waypoint—it was the crime scene itself.

Teen Texted Dad She'd Be Home Soon - Days Later, She Was Found Dead

Inside the bedroom of Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, investigators discovered:

Suspected blood

A fingernail matching DaCara’s

A wig consistent with one seen in footage

Women’s clothing believed to belong to DaCara

Murder charges announced in missing teen whose body was dumped on the side of the highway as her father reveals heartbreaking final text | Daily Mail Online
A roommate’s statement described hearing sounds suggesting a “struggle” inside the bedroom This accumulation of evidence strongly suggests the murder occurred inside that bedroom.

Maryland Man Charged With Murder of Missing Dacara Thompson

Identification of the Suspect

Court records nameHugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, a resident of the Kembridge Drive home, as the suspect.

Key facts:

Dacara Thompson investigation: Hugo Hernandez-Mendez arrested, charged with teen's murder | FOX 5 DC

Located in the United Statesillegally

Had access to the black SUV seen on surveillance

Lived in the bedroom where crime scene evidence was discovered

DaCara Thompson: Court Documents REVEAL CRUCIAL Evidence Left In Home Of Man Who UNALIVED Her
He faces first- and second-degree murder charges, and is held without bond

The Discovery of the Body

On August 31, a passerby or road crew discovered abody in a grassy area off Route 50 in Anne Arundel County. It was later confirmed to be DaCara. She had sustained skull and facial fractures, leading investigators to expect the death will be ruled a homicide.

After missing Maryland 19-year-old is confirmed dead, investigators lay out what they know | NBC4 DC - YouTube

Public and Legal Fallout

Local law enforcement emphasized the disturbing strength of physical evidence—blood, hair, clothing, and fingernail—inside the suspect’s home.

Immigration authorities (ICE) issued a detainer, citing Hernandez-Mendez’s undocumented status

The case has spotlighted police collaboration and surveillance technology’s role in tracing the victim’s final movements.

Body found in Maryland may be missing Dacara Thompson

Why This Evidence Matters

The court documents provide a chilling narrative:

DaCara willingly entered a vehicle—suggesting trust or familiarity.

The murder was not random; it occurred in a controlled, intimate environment.

Dacara Thompson Found: What We Know Now – Otosection
Intimate items like a wig and fingernail—found in the suspect’s bedroom—connect the suspect and crime scene conclusively.

The presence of struggle noises further corroborates a violent conflict.

Dacara Thompson confirmed dead and man charged with murder – NBC4 Washington
Community and Family Reverberations

DaCara’s family, described her as a “bright and kind spirit” committed to community service and the arts. Her death has triggered a wave of grief.

Meanwhile, local leaders—including Maryland Governor Wes Moore—have publicly mourned her loss, elevating the case’s emotional and civic significance.

Sad Update: Police Confirm DaCara Thompson Was Murdered

Summary: A Gruesome Truth Uncovered

DaCara Thompson’s tragic death, meticulously outlined in court documents, reveals a methodical crime carried out in the home of a stranger—or possible acquaintance. Surveillance footage reveals her entering the suspect’s home; forensic evidence inside his bedroom—blood, a fingernail, wig, and clothing—cements the connection. These crucial details have propelled the case to criminal charges.