Body Found Off Maryland Highway Confirmed As Missing Virginia Teen; Suspect In Custody

Maryland Governor Wes Moore also released a statement.

The body of Da’Cara Rose Thompson, the Virginia teen who went missing in late August, was found off a Maryland highway on Aug. 31, according to police in Prince George’s County.

A suspect has also been arrested.

Thompson’s mysterious disappearance generated national headlines as her family searched for her whereabouts.

Authorities shared at a Sept. 5 press conference that they arrested Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35, for his involvement in Thompson’s murder. He faces one count of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder, USA Today reports.

Thompson, 19, went missing Aug. 22 after leaving her home in Prince George’s County. She had last sent her father a text saying she would be “home soon.” Afterward, he family and community held multiple search efforts and hosted a vigil.

Officials did not disclose any further information surrounding how Thompson died or Hernandez-Mendez’s potential motive.

However, video footage revealed Thompson “willfully entered” a car driven by her alleged killer the night she disappeared. Thompson talked to Hernandez-Mendez in his driver’s seat, before walking to the passenger’s side to get in the vehicle.

Prince George’s Police Chief George Nader said Hernandez-Mendez drove Thompson to a home in Bowie, Maryland, six miles from her own residence. There, he said, the man killed Thompson in a bedroom and disposed the body a few miles away at a grassy area off Route 50 in a neighboring county.

Nader said Hernandez-Mendez acted alone. Detectives have yet to confirm if Thompson and Hernandez-Mendez knew each other.

Thompson, a recent high school graduate, was working for a nonprofit, becoming a member of the Maryland Service Year Option.

In a statement, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, called Thompson’s death an “act of senseless violence.”

My statement on the Da’Cara Thompson Investigation: pic.twitter.com/ohZSeuPypM
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) September 5, 2025

“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,” Moore said. “She yearned to be part of our mission to solve big problems with bold solutions through her passion for the arts.”

He added, “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.”

Hernandez-Mendez is in jail without bond. His court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8.