Ex-Boyfriend Arrested Days After Missing Teen Marissa DiNapoli Is Found Slain in California

Last week, police found the body of an 18-year-old woman reported missing in California — and her ex-boyfriend, who was suspected of murder, was just arrested in connection with her death. 

Marissa DiNapoli was last heard from by her family through text on June 28, at 9:16 p.m.

She told family members that she was staying with a friend for the evening but when her family didn’t hear from her the next day, they reported her missing, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department. 

After searching, police found a body at Lake Anderson on July 2 and confirmed it was DiNapoli’s on July 3. 

DiNapoli was last seen leaving a home with Martin Mendoza, her ex-boyfriend, on June 29 at 9:45 a.m. Police initially suspected him as a person of interest and arrested him Sunday on a murder charge, according to a statement by the Morgan Hill Police. 

They arrested him at the California-Mexico border crossing while he was trying to re-enter the United States. 

“While Mendoza’s arrest may bring a measure of relief, it does not ease the heartbreak we all continue to feel,” Morgan Hill Police wrote in their statement. “Marissa was a radiant, compassionate young woman with a future full of promise.”

DiNapoli’s family have said in their own statement that they appreciate all the love and support they have received on her behalf.

“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,” DiNapoli’s family wrote.

“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.”

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DiNapoli’s former teacher at Opportunity Youth Academy, Tara Guerrero, had been helping family and friends in the search for her after she was reported missing, NBC Bay Area reported. 

“Every student in my class touches my heart, but her especially,” Guerrero said to the outlet. “She had the brightest smile that would light up every room, she was friends and friendly with everyone who came into our classroom. She’s just one of those kids that leaves a mark on your heart, and I have a broken heart right now.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.