A Bowie man has been arrested and charged in connection with the killing of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, whose disappearance late last month sparked a two-week search across Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties.
Prince George’s County police announced Friday, September 5, that 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez faces charges of first- and second-degree murder. He is being held without bond.
Thompson was last seen on the night of August 22, after leaving her father’s home in Lanham to get gas. Her final text message, sent just before midnight, read: “I got gas and I’m out. I should be back soon. I love you too. Goodnight.”
Surveillance footage later placed her in Hyattsville around 1:30 a.m. the following morning, and at 3 a.m., she was seen entering the passenger side of a black GMC Yukon Denali SUV on University Boulevard.
On August 31, Maryland State Police found Thompson’s body beneath a bridge off Route 50 near the South River in Anne Arundel County while responding to a disabled vehicle call. Charging documents revealed she suffered multiple skull and facial fractures. Her family identified her through tattoos and jewelry.
Evidence and Arrest
Detectives traced the SUV to a home in the 12000 block of Kembridge Drive in Bowie, where Hernandez-Mendez lived. A search on September 4 uncovered evidence indicating Thompson was killed in a bedroom inside the residence. Investigators recovered suspected blood, a fingernail, hair, a wig, and women’s clothing.
Court records detail disturbing witness statements, including one from a roommate who reported hearing noises suggesting a struggle.
Hernandez-Mendez, originally from Guatemala, worked for a Baltimore landscaping company. Officials confirmed he was in the U.S. illegally, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against him. He previously faced DUI charges in April.
During questioning, Hernandez-Mendez claimed he was at Galaxy nightclub searching for an ex-girlfriend but denied involvement in Thompson’s death before requesting a lawyer.
He is scheduled for a bond hearing in the coming days. Prosecutors with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office will review evidence before seeking an indictment.
Thompson, a recent graduate of St. Charles High School in Charles County, was participating in Maryland’s Service Year Option program and working for a nonprofit in Prince George’s County.
Governor Wes Moore described her as a “bright light in our state,” while County Executive Aisha Braveboy said she was “a good young woman who wanted to do good for her community.”
Police Chief George Nader said investigators are still working to determine whether Thompson and Hernandez-Mendez knew each other before August 23. While the medical examiner has not yet issued a final ruling, authorities expect the case to be classified as a homicide.
Detectives believe Hernandez-Mendez acted alone, but the investigation remains active. Police are urging anyone with information to call the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512.
