A man in the U.S. illegally faces murder charges in the case of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, who went missing in Maryland last month. The incident was announced by Prince George’s County police on September 1, 2025.
- Man charged with murder of Dacara Thompson
- Thompson last seen August 22, body found September 1
- Evidence links suspect to Thompson’s murder inside his home
- Suspect, Hernandez-Mendez, in U.S. illegally, ICE detainer issued
- Investigation ongoing; no additional suspects identified
- Community and officials express grief and seek justice
Thompson was last seen on August 22, and her vehicle was found the next day. Her body was discovered near Route 50 at Route 97 on August 31. Police linked her death to Hernandez-Mendez, who reportedly killed her inside his bedroom before moving her body. Surveillance footage shows Thompson entering Hernandez-Mendez’s SUV on August 23. Evidence led police to arrest Hernandez-Mendez, who lives on Cambridge Drive in Bowie. He is held without bond, and authorities confirmed he is in the U.S. illegally, with an ICE detainer issued. Hernandez-Mendez was previously arrested for DUI in April but was released pending trial. The investigation remains ongoing, with no other suspects identified.
- Hernandez-Mendez is charged with first- and second-degree murder.
- He is in custody, held without bond, and subject to ICE detainer.
- Surveillance shows Thompson approached Hernandez-Mendez’s SUV before her disappearance.
- The investigation links him to the murder inside his bedroom on Cambridge Drive.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about violence and immigration enforcement in the community. Police continue to seek additional information from the public.
Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512. The victim’s cause of death has not yet been determined.
