Just days after a California teen went missing, her ex-boyfriend has been charged with her murder.
Marissa DiNapoli, 18, was last heard from by her family around 9 p.m. on June 28. She sent them a text letting them know she’d be hanging out with her friend for the evening. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at first, but her loved ones got concerned when she didn’t turn up the next day — and they couldn’t reach her. They immediately contacted the Morgan Hill Police Department and reported her missing.
Just five days later on July 3, officers confirmed what no one wanted to hear: Marissa was dead. Their search for the missing teen had led to the discovery of a body in nearby Lake Anderson on July 2. They confirmed it was her the next day. Just heartbreaking. But… how did this happen?
Well, according to the MHPD, Marissa was last seen leaving a Bay Area home the morning of June 29 — not with a friend but with her ex-boyfriend, 2o-year-old Martin Mendoza. Local outlet KSBW obtained footage from a Ring doorbell camera of the former couple walking down a staircase together — the last footage of her alive.
Another clip from the following day showed Mendoza alone, leaving the home with a plastic bag in his hand. You can see the footage for yourself around the 0:29 timestamp (below):
Initially, after this discovery, investigators named Mendoza a person of interest in his ex-girlfriend’s mysterious death. As of Sunday, they’ve upped this to a full-on murder charge — which he’ll now answer to as they have him in custody. According to legal docs, Mendoza is being held without bond at Santa Clara County Main Jail.
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Law enforcement officials reported they made the arrest at the Mexico border in California, where he was trying to re-enter the US. In a statement, they said:
“While Mendoza’s arrest may bring a measure of relief, it does not ease the heartbreak we all continue to feel. Marissa was a radiant, compassionate young woman with a future full of promise.”
No details have been released about Marissa’s cause of death, nor do we know a possible motive, but what’s the most chilling is her friends aren’t surprised… In fact, one of her pals said her ex was “obsessed” with her — and Marissa herself allegedly expressed worries that he would “kill” her one day! Jaslyn Gutierrez told NBC Bay Area:
“Marissa has told me, firsthand in the car with my friends outside of my house, that he would kill her, that he would not stop, that he’s obsessed with her, that he’s crazy and that he’s willing to go to that extent.”
Beyond terrifying… And now she’s actually gone…
Marissa’s family came forward with their own statement, asking for privacy amid the turmoil of this loss:
“The loss of our beloved Marissa deeply saddens us, and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey. In honor of Marissa’s memory, we kindly ask that no GoFundMe accounts or donation pages be created. If you wish to show support, please do so through your prayers, kind words, and cherished memories.”
Just heartbreaking. This poor family.
The late teen’s former teacher Tara Guerrero made her own statement on the tragedy. She had been helping the DiNapoli family search for the missing girl, per NBC Bay Area. The teacher told the outlet:
“Every student in my class touches my heart, but her especially. She had the brightest smile that would light up every room, she was friends and friendly with everyone who came into our classroom. She’s just one of those kids that leaves a mark on your heart, and I have a broken heart right now.”
So tragic.
Our heart goes out to Marissa’s family, friends, and loved ones. May she rest in peace and get the justice she deserves.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/.
For more information on violence against women, go to https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors.
[Image via Morgan Hill Police Department]
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