A tragic discovery was made Wednesday evening near Lake Anderson, where the family of 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli reportedly found a body that may be hers, according to law enforcement sources that spoke to NBC Bay Area and ABC7.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Morgan Hill Police Department confirmed that a body was located just before 8pm under a bridge in the remote parkland near the Lacey Anderson Dam, according to the reports, however they have not identified the remains.
DiNapoli was reported missing to the Morgan Hill Police Department on Monday, June 30. According to a statement issued by the department, “Marissa last communicated with family members via text message on June 28 at 9:16pm In that message, she indicated that she planned to stay with a friend for the evening and would return home the following day. When she did not return home or respond to calls from family members, she was reported missing.”
A law enforcement source told NBC Bay Area that it was DiNapoli’s family who made the discovery after days of searching.
On Sunday morning, a surveillance video captured Marissa and 21-year-old Martin Mendoza, whom friends say is her ex-boyfriend, leaving a house together. Audio on the video clip posted to social media has Mendoza asking DiNapoli, “Why would you text your ex?”
Mendoza has since become a person of interest in the case and, according to investigators, was uncooperative with the investigation into her disappearance. Authorities are now actively searching him. He may be driving a white Toyota Camry. Police are urging anyone with information about Mendoza’s whereabouts or the vehicle to contact the Morgan Hill Police Department immediately.
Those with information may contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at 669-253-4962 or via email at ky************@***********ca.gov.
Several of Marissa’s close friends expressed concern for her safety in recent days. One friend told NBC, “Marissa has told me firsthand… that he [Martin] would kill her, that he would not stop, that he is obsessed with her and he’s crazy.”
DiNapoli had recently graduated from Opportunity Youth Academy and was preparing to attend Gavilan College in the fall. She worked at Starbucks and was described by friends, family and teachers as outgoing and caring.
If you’re terrified of your ex and think he’s going to kill you, why would you leave a house with him?
Hello???? At 18 years old women of domestic violence situations do not necessarily know any better or they think they will be alright and abusers talk a good game. Have some damn respect for her and the family as she is the victim here!