Missing teen found dead, boyfriend now wanted by police
Santa Clara County police are still on the hunt for 21-year-old Martin Mendoza, the man who is suspected to have been involved in the tragic death of 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli, whose
decomposing body was found under a bridge near Anderson Lake County Park on July 2—three days after she was reported missing.
The last time Marissa was heard was on June 28 night at 9.16 p.m. when she had texted her family members to inform them that she was going to spend the night at a friend’s and would be back home
the following day. Her family became worried after she did not come home and could not be contacted on the phone. They reported her as missing on June 29.
It was later captured on surveillance that showed what is thought to be the final appearance of Marissa alive. She was recorded as she walked out of a house with her boyfriend, Martin Mendoza. Her car was
subsequently discovered at the same place abandoned. The footage audio was said to have recorded a heated exchange between the couple, with Mendoza furiously asking Marissa, Why would you text your ex?
Her sister, Monice Ramirez, told reporters that Martin returned with the car but not Marissa. The video has caused a lot of concern and put Mendoza in the spotlight of the investigation.
Following a massive search by local and federal law enforcement, police found a body in a remote location close to the Anderson Lake County Park, an area where Marissa was seen to frequent with
Mendoza. The body could not be identified on the spot because of the high level of decomposition. One of the captains of the Morgan Hill Police Department reported that the remains were left out in the open air, and it had been there for some time, and it was necessary to await the results of the medical examination.
On July 3, the Santa Clara County Coroner made the worst fears of Marissa’s loved ones come true; the body belonged to her. The Morgan Hill Police Department released a statement that they feel sad about
this: This is not the result any of us wanted, and we are devastated by this news. Marissa was a young lady who was full of life and had a lot to look forward to in life. Our arms are around you, Marissa’s family. The entire department is here to help you through this inconceivable period.”
The DiNapoli family released a statement of their own, via the police department, requesting privacy as they mourn: We are saddened by the loss of our beloved Marissa. We thank the love and support of
people who have contacted us… Should you want to express your sympathy, it would be in your prayers, in your words of kindness, and in your memories of love.”
There have been a lot of emotions, and the anger of those who knew and loved Marissa is felt. Her stepmother posted a tear-jerking message on Facebook, pleading for justice and naming Mendoza: “She
was only 18 and had her whole wonderful life ahead of her…. I just hope that Marissa will get the justice that she deserves. I have already got your face going all over Mexico, Martin Mendoza, you complete piece of a life. We WILL discover your sorry ass.”
The issue about the behavior of Mendoza had been raised before the disappearance of Marissa. One of Marissa’s close friends, Jaslyn Gutierrez, said the teenager had earlier complained that Mendoza could
harm her. Gutierrez revealed that Marissa has told her, firsthand, that [Mendoza] would kill her, that he would not stop, and that he is obsessed with her. That he is insane and that he is ready to do that much.
Mendoza has since been declared a person of interest by the authorities in the case. He has allegedly refused to talk to the investigators even after several attempts to contact him. Captain Mario Rodriguez
of the Morgan Hill Police Department said, We have contacted him by cell phone, we have contacted him through his family, we have offered that olive branch to him to talk to us, and he has not done it yet.
Police are appealing to Mendoza to come out. Rodriguez pleaded, Martin Mendoza, in case he is reading [this], please contact us. We would like to speak with you; we would like to know what happened. We should be in a position to close the family of Marissa.”
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229220335676444&set=a.10200157276838137Mendoza is assumed to be in a white Toyota Camry with either of the two license plates CW87W00 or 9PTM351. Police are requesting anyone who knows where he is to leave an anonymous tip on the City of Morgan Hill website.
As the case unfolds, the society is saddened by the death of a young woman who was said to be vibrant, kind, and promising. The support of Marissa’s family has been overwhelming, but justice has not been done. Hopefully, now, the perpetrators will be brought to justice and the DiNapoli family can one day have peace.
Good night, Marissa. Leave your condolences in the comments below and share this story to keep the search for justice going.
