Funeral arrangements have been announced for 19-year-old DaCara Thompson, whose disappearance and tragic death have left the Hyattsville, Maryland community in mourning.
Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23rd, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at Kettering Baptist Church Legacy Center, 6909 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD.
Thompson’s death has drawn widespread grief and outrage across Prince George’s County. She was reported missing earlier this month, and her case quickly became the focus of community concern and law enforcement efforts.
Tragic Death and Investigation
Prosecutors stated that surveillance footage captured Thompson leaving her father’s home in Lanham, MD, on the evening of August 22nd, indicating she was going to get gas. Early the next morning, at approximately 3 a.m. on August 23rd, she parked her SUV in Hyattsville and proceeded to walk to a parking lot located behind a Family Dollar store in Langley Park. She walked over to a black SUV, exchanged a few words with the driver, and then took her place in the front passenger seat.
The SUV was subsequently linked to a residence in Bowie, MD. Authorities suspect that Thompson was murdered at the home of the accused suspect. Reportedly collected evidence included blood stains on the mattress, a fake nail, and hairs consistent with a wig she was wearing that matched Thompson. Investigators also discover possible blood in the front passenger seat of the SUV.
Days later, on August 31st, her body was discovered naked in a grassy area off Route 50 in Anne Arundel County. Officials have verified that it was Thompson. Investigators noted the presence of facial and skull fractures among the injuries.
Suspect’s Arrest
On September 8th, Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, of Guatemala, the man accused of killing Thompson, was denied bail. He is charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with her death.
NBC News 4 reports the roommate of Hernandez Mendez, who was questioned by authorities, said he heard the suspect having sex with the victim, who did not seem to be having a good time.
Authorities have not released further details on the investigation, but prosecutors argued successfully to keep Hernandez-Mendez in custody while the case moves forward. Hernandez-Mendez is due back in court for a preliminary hearing Oct. 8th, according to Fox 5 DC.
As friends, family, and neighbors prepare to lay Thompson to rest, many in the Hyattsville community are remembering her as a bright young woman whose life was cut tragically short.
