Prince George’s County police have arrested and charged a Maryland man for the death of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, whose disappearance in late August led to the discovery of her body in Anne Arundel County.
Police identified the suspect as Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, of Bowie, who is charged with first- and second-degree murder. Officials say Hernandez-Mendez is being held without bond.
Disappearance and Discovery
According to NBC Washington, Thompson was last seen on the night of Aug. 22 when she left her father’s Lanham home to put gas in her car. Her family reported her missing the next day.
Thompson’s car was found on Aug. 24 near a volunteer fire station with her purse inside but with her phone missing and disabled.
Maryland State Police discovered a body on Aug. 31 in Anne Arundel County. Authorities later confirmed the remains as Thompson, prompting a joint investigation with county detectives.
Surveillance and Evidence
According to court documents cited by NBC Washington, surveillance footage from the early morning of Aug. 23 showed Thompson parking her Ford Edge SUV before walking to a lot behind a Family Dollar store in Langley Park. She was seen approaching a black GMC Yukon Denali, speaking to the driver, and then getting into the front passenger seat…