The man currently accused of taking the life of Dacara Thompson of Lanham was located and taken into custody by the Homicide Unit of the Prince George’s County Police Department. He is Bowie resident Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, 35. He is being jailed without bond after being charged with first and second degree murder.
Dacara Thompson, the victim, was only 19 years old. The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) received a missing person’s report from Ms. Thompson’s family on August 23, 2025.
During the search for Dacara, detectives from the Homicide Unit were able to track down further security footage that showed Ms. Thompson approaching a black SUV early on August 23, 2025. Ms. Thompson is seen getting into the SUV after chatting with the driver. After that, the driver proceeded to a residence in Bowie’s 12,000 block of Kembridge Drive. On September 4, 2025, investigators filed for and were granted a search warrant for that residence based on this evidence. There was evidence that Ms. Thompson had been slain in one of the house’s bedrooms.
Then, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Hernandez-Mendez disposed of Dacara’s deceased body in a grassy spot by Route 50.
Detectives charged Hernandez-Mendez with her murder after making an arrest based on the investigation’s overall evidence.
Justice will be done for this Maryland family, and 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez has been placed under ICE detainer.
There is currently no information on whether deportation will occur.
Dacara Thompson Cause Of Death
It is unknown what caused the victim’s death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is anticipated to declare the death a homicide based on preliminary findings and evidence gathered throughout this inquiry.
The probe is still ongoing. Investigators are trying to find out if the victim and suspect knew one another before August 23, 2025.
Also read: Dacara Thompson UPDATE: 19-year-old Dacara Thompson Found
