Prince George’s County authorities announced today that 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez of Bowie has been arrested and charged with the murder of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, a Lanham resident whose disappearance last month triggered a widespread investigation.
Timeline of Events
- August 22, 2025: Thompson was last seen at a gas station in Lanham before heading out of her father’s home to get gas.
- August 23: Her car — a 2013 white Ford Edge — was found abandoned in Hyattsville, with important items like her purse still inside; phone and key fob were missing.
- August 31: The Maryland State Police launched a death investigation after discovering a female body in a grassy area off Route 50, later confirmed to be Thompson by authorities.
- September 4: Police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 12000 block of Kembridge Drive in Bowie. Detectives found evidence suggesting Thompson was murdered in the suspect’s bedroom.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Surveillance footage from the early morning hours of August 23 shows Thompson approaching a black SUV, speaking with the driver, and entering the vehicle. Investigators traced that SUV to the Kembridge Drive home.
Authorities say Hernandez-Mendez lived at the residence, had access to the SUV, and the evidence suggests the murder occurred in his bedroom.
He has been formally charged with first- and second-degree murder and is being held without bond.
Amplifying the focus on his legal status, officials noted that he is living in the U.S. illegally. Hernandez-Mendez had been arrested previously by U.S. Park Police in April on a DUI charge and released pending trial — a release that is now drawing scrutiny from immigration authorities.
ICE has since placed an immigration detainer on him, pointing to his status as a “criminal alien” from Guatemala, and criticized local authorities for their handling of detainer cooperation.
Official Reactions
Governor Wes Moore expressed profound sorrow, lamenting “the horrible loss of Da’Cara Thompson, who was taken from us by an act of senseless violence.” He pledged state support, vowing to “use every tool at our disposal to ensure those responsible for this crime are held accountable” and honor her legacy of service.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy recalled Thompson’s dedication to community service, noting that she joined the Maryland Service Year Option program — a point even echoed by news sources emphasizing her bright spirit and commitment to helping others.
Next Steps
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not yet determined the exact cause of death but expects the findings to confirm homicide.
Detectives continue to investigate whether Thompson and Hernandez-Mendez knew each other before August 23.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Prince George’s County Police Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512, or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS, referencing Case No. 25-0046894 .
Broader Implications
The case has sparked renewed discussions around detainer policy gaps, cooperation between local and federal law enforcement, and the broader implications of immigration status in criminal cases — particularly given Hernandez-Mendez’s April DUI incident and subsequent release.
As this tragic story unfolds, the community and state officials remain focused on delivering justice for Dacara and supporting her grieving family.
