Last week, police discovered the body of an 18-year-old woman reported missing in California, and her ex-boyfriend, who was suspected of murder, was recently arrested in connection with her death.
Marissa DiNapoli was last heard from by her family via text on June 28 at 9:16 p.m.
She told family members she was going to spend the evening with a friend, but when she did not return the next day, her family reported her missing, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department.
After a search, police discovered a body at Lake Anderson on July 2 and confirmed it was DiNapoli on July 3.
DiNapoli was last seen leaving a home with her ex-boyfriend, Martin Mendoza, at 9:45 a.m. on June 29. Police initially suspected him of being a person of interest and arrested him on a murder charge on Sunday, according to a Morgan Hill Police statement.
They apprehended him at the California-Mexico border crossing while he attempted to re-enter the United States.
“While Mendoza’s arrest may provide some relief, it does not alleviate the heartbreak we all continue to experience,” Morgan Hill Police wrote in their statement. “Marissa was a radiant, compassionate young woman with a future full of promise.”
DiNapoli’s family expressed gratitude in their own statement for all of the love and support they have received on her behalf.
“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,” the letter read.
“To honor Marissa’s memory, we respectfully request that no GoFundMe accounts or donation pages be created. If you want to show your support, please do so with prayers, kind words, and cherished memories.”
Tara Guerrero, DiNapoli’s former teacher at Opportunity Youth Academy, assisted family and friends in the search for her after she was reported missing, according to NBC Bay Area.
“Every student in my class touches my heart, but her especially,” Guerrero told the outlet. “She had the brightest smile that could light up any room, and she was friendly to everyone who entered our classroom. She is one of those kids who leaves an imprint on your heart, and I have a broken heart right now.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
