Primate News

HYATTSVILLE, MARYLAND — Prince George’s County police announced Friday morning that a man is facing charges in connection with the death of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, who was reported missing last month.

On Sept. 5, homicide detectives developed probable cause to present charges. Friday morning, police said 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez is facing charges of first- and second-degree murder.

According to the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), detectives found surveillance video that showed Thompson approach a black SUV in the early morning hours of Aug. 23. After speaking to the driver, Thompson is seen entering the SUV. The driver then drove to a home in the 12000 block of Kembridge Drive in Bowie.

Friday morning, police said 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez is facing charges of first- and second-degree murder in connection to the death of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson. (PGPD)

Police said that evidence led police to Hernandez-Mendez, who investigators said killed Thompson inside his bedroom on Cambridge Drive before moving her body to where it was later recovered.

"The suspect has access to the black SUV and lives in the bedroom where the murder occurred," authorities stated.

Police said there are no additional suspects at this time, but the investigation remains ongoing.

PGPD Police Chief George Nader said, "Incidents like this affect our entire community."

Police said Hernandez-Mendez is in the custody of the Department of Corrections and is being held on a no-bond status.

Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy said Thompson "dedicated part of her young life to serving others."

"This is a good, good, good, good, young woman who wanted to do good for her community," Braveboy said. "And now her community will stand behind her family as we seek justice for her."

Police confirmed to 7News that Hernandez-Mendez is in the United States illegally. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer was issued on Thursday.

Authorities with the United States Park Police (USPP) had previously arrested him back in April on a DUI charge, but he was released pending his trial and an appearance in U.S. District Court.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore released the following statement:

“Our entire state mourns the horrible loss of Da’Cara Thompson, who was taken from us by an act of senseless violence. Dawn and I join all Marylanders in praying for Da’Cara and her family in the wake of this tragedy.

We are grateful for the dedicated men and women of law enforcement, including Maryland State Police and the Prince George’s County Police Department, who have collaborated closely throughout this investigation. I have been, and will continue to be, in constant contact with our public safety partners as they carry out their work to ensure that justice is served.

Da’Cara raised her hand right out of high school to join our most recent cohort of Maryland Service Year Option members—patriotic Marylanders committed to public service. She yearned to be part of our mission to solve big problems with bold solutions through her passion for the arts.

She was a bright light in our state. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure those responsible for this crime are held accountable and honor Da’Cara’s legacy of service through our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all Marylanders.”

As of Friday, the victim’s cause of death has not been determined.

https://wjla.com/news/local/dacara-thom ... nty-update

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crim ... 18d98673e8