Body of missing California teen found, man charged with her murder
Police in Northern California have found the body of a teenage girl whose family reported her missing last month, and arrested a man on a murder charge in connection with her killing.
Marissa DiNapoli, 18, of Morgan Hill was reported missing June 30 after she did not return to her Santa Clara County home in the southern San Francisco Bay Area, the Morgan Hill Police Department, the lead agency on the case, said.
The teen's body was found on July 2, police said, and the Santa Clara County Coroner confirmed her identity on July 3.
"This is not the outcome any of us wanted and we are heartbroken by this news. Marissa was a vibrant member of our Morgan Hill community with a bright future ahead of her," police wrote in a statement on Facebook.
Martin Mendoza was arrested trying to reenter the United States through the Mexican border, police announced in a statement on July 7. He has been charged with one count of murder in connection with DiNapoli's death.
It was not immediately known where Mendoza is from, but online jail records show he is 20 years old.
USA TODAY contacted police on Wednesday, July 9, but has not received a response.
When did Marissa DiNapoli disappear?
DiNapoli's family reported her missing on June 30 after she did not respond to calls or texts from family, investigators said.
The teen, police said, last communicated with family via text message just after 9:15 a.m. on June 28.
"In that message, she indicated that she planned to stay with a friend for the evening and would return home the following day," police said.
Investigators said DiNapoli was last seen with Mendoza on surveillance video on Trail Drive around 9:45 a.m. on June 28, leaving a home just outside Morgan Hill city limits. DiNapoli's car was later located in the same area, according to police.
Investigators previously named Mendoza a person of interest in her disappearance. According to The Morgan Hill Times and KGO-TV, the suspect was DiNapoli's boyfriend at the time she vanished.
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How did Marissa DiNapoli die?
When her body was found, DiNapoli had been stabbed multiple times in the back, the Morgan Hill Times and KGO-TV reported, citing court documents.
Mendoza has been charged with first-degree murder and the use of a knife to commit murder, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said, per KSBW.
He was arraigned in court on July 8, online Santa Clara County court records show.
Mendoza was booked into jail on July 7, and as of July 9, he was being held without bond, jail records show.
An attorney of record for Mendoza was not listed online, and it is unclear whether he has obtained legal counsel.
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'Prayers, kind words': How to help Marissa DiNapoli's family
The victim's family released the following statement after DiNapoli's death:
"The loss of our beloved Marissa deeply saddens us, and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey. We appreciate the love and support from those who have reached out to us. In honor of Marissa's memory, we kindly ask that no GoFundMe accounts or donation pages be created. If you wish to show support, please do so through your prayers, kind words, and cherished memories. Thank you for understanding and respecting our wishes during this deeply personal time."
DiNapoli attended Central High School in the Morgan Hill Unified School District, officials said.
According to police, mental health professionals will be present through July 11 at Central High School for any student or staff member "who needs a safe space to process their emotions, reflect, or speak with a counselor."
"Our deepest condolences remain with Marissa's family," Morgan Hill police wrote after her body was located. "We will continue to stand with you, not just as law enforcement, but as neighbors, friends, and fellow members of our grieving community."
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 669-253-4962 or email kyle.tolentino@morganhill.ca.gov.
USA TODAY contacted the Morgan Hill Unified School District on July 9 but has not received a response.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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