Major update in search for missing woman after man arrested for 'murder'

Daily Mirror

4 hours ago

Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, who is originally from Colombia, went missing from Ilford at the end of May, and following police enquiries a murder probe was launched alongside a search to track down her remains
A man has been arrested after the discovery of the body of a missing 46-year-old woman in east London. Investigators were conducting a search for Colombian national Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, after she was last seen in Ilford at the end of May.
Though formal identification is yet to take place, Yajaira's next of kin have been informed and are now being supported by specialist officers. After her disappearance, police carried out extensive enquiries and decided to launch a murder probe. They then carried out searches through Hampshire's Bolderwood area earlier today, where they discovered human remains.
Lead investigator Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, said: 'This is a very sad development in the investigation and are thoughts are very much with Yajaira's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
"We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.'
On Friday, June 6 a man known to Ms Mendez appeared in court charged with her murder and was remanded into custody, reports MyLondon. Juan Toledo, 51, from south-east London, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Friday charged with her murder.
After the man was arrested, the Metropolitan Police urged anyone with information to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Camden, said yesterday: 'Officers have been working around the clock to find Yajaira. She has not been seen or heard from by her family or friends since the date she was reported missing.
'Yajaira's disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers. The investigation was then transferred to the Met's Specialist Crime Command on Thursday, 5 June after a range of extensive further enquiries very sadly suggested she has come to harm. Yajaira's family continue to be supported by specialist officers, and we are keeping them updated with developments.
'I understand the impact this news may have on our local community, however we do have a man charged and in custody and we are not searching for anyone else at this stage. The man and Yajaira are believed to be known to each other.
'Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and there are crime scenes in place across Camden and Lambeth. We thank the community for their patience while we carry out our enquiries and ask that any one with information please comes forward.'
Anyone with information relating to the woman's disappearance is asked to contact police via 101 or @MetCC quoting CAD 3020/06JUN25.
Alternatively, contact charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.