The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit identified and arrested the man now charged with the murder of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson of Lanham. He is 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez of Bowie.
On August 23, 2025, Ms. Thompson’s family reported her missing to the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). The PGPD’s Missing Persons Unit opened an investigation into her whereabouts. On August 31, 2025, Maryland State Police (MSP) opened a death investigation after a female’s body was located in a grassy area off of Route 50 in Anne Arundel County. Based on a possible connection to the PGPD’s missing persons investigation, PGPD began working jointly with MSP. The body has since been identified as Ms. Thompson.
PGPD Homicide Unit detectives were able to locate additional surveillance video which showed Ms. Thompson approach a black SUV in the early morning hours of August 23, 2025. After speaking to the driver, Ms. Thompson is seen entering the SUV. The driver then drove to a home in the 12000 block of Kembridge Drive in Bowie. Based on this evidence, detectives applied for and obtained a search warrant for that home on September 4, 2025. Evidence was located suggesting Ms. Thompson had been murdered in a bedroom in the residence. Based on the totality of the evidence of the investigation, detectives arrested and charged Hernandez-Mendez with her murder. The suspect has access to the black SUV and lives in the bedroom where the murder occurred.
The victim’s cause of death has not been determined. Based on initial findings and evidence gathering during this investigation, it is expected for the death to be ruled a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This remains an active investigation. Detectives are working to determine whether the suspect and victim were known to each other prior to August 23, 2025.
The suspect is charged with first and second degree murder. He is in the custody of the Department of Corrections being held on a no-bond status.
If anyone has information regarding this case, they are asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device), or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please refer to case number 25-0046894.
If you would prefer to translate this release into another language, please find the translation window on the right side of this webpage. Please select your preferred language from the available list.
No comments:
Post a Comment