Morgan Hill, California – Police report that an 18-year-old woman has died just days after her family reported her missing in Morgan Hill, California.
Authorities discovered a body during their search for Marissa DiNapoli on Wednesday and confirmed her identity on Thursday, police stated.
DiNapoli sent her final message to her family on Saturday evening, texting them after 9 p.m. that she would spend the night at a friend’s house and come home the following day, the Morgan Hill Police Department reported.
Her family reported her missing on Monday when she failed to return home and didn’t answer their calls, police explained.
Police determined that DiNapoli was last spotted with Martin Mendoza on June 28 around 10 a.m., when witnesses saw them leaving a residence just outside Morgan Hill’s city limits.
DiNapoli’s car was later found in the same area, police said.
“We are heartbroken by this news – this is not the outcome any of us wanted. Marissa was a vibrant member of our Morgan Hill community with a bright future ahead of her,” police stated.
Police identified Mendoza as a person of interest during their search for DiNapoli and continue to consider him one. Police noted that Mendoza refused to cooperate in the initial investigation.
“Detectives are actively seeking information on his whereabouts and urge anyone with knowledge to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately. Mendoza is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry bearing either license plate CW87W00 or 9PTM351,” police announced in a Wednesday statement.
But, police said they are actively seeking out other leads as well, asking anyone with any information to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at (669)-253-4962.
DiNapoli’s family asked for privacy as they grieve.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Marissa, and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey,” the family said in a statement released by police.
“We appreciate the love and support from those who have reached out. In honoring 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,” the family said.
