Latest news with #MartinMendoza
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Ex-boyfriend arrested at Mexico border after Morgan Hill 18-year-old's death
The Brief Martin Mendoza, 20, was arrested at the Mexico border for the death of ex-girlfriend, Marissa DiNapoli of Morgan Hill. Mendoza was "uncooperative" with the police investigation. It's not clear how DiNapoli was killed or what the motive was. MORGAN HILL, Calif. - Law enforcement on Monday announced the arrest of an ex-boyfriend at the California-Mexico border following the death of an 18-year-old Morgan Hill woman, whose body was found last week near the Anderson River. Morgan Hill police said they took Martin Mendoza, 20, in connection with Marissa DiNapoli's death. The two had dated for a time, police and co-workers said. Police said he will be charged with murder, and that he was arrested while trying to come back to the United States from Mexico. "This arrest marks a significant step toward justice in a case that has devastated Marissa's loved ones and shaken our entire community," police said in a statement. "While Mendoza's arrest may bring a measure of relief, it does not ease the heartbreak we all continue to feel. Marissa was a radiant, compassionate young woman with a future full of promise. Her loss is profound, and our grief is shared." DiNapoli's family shared a brief statement, asking for privacy. They specifically said they did not want to raise money through any GoFundMe. Instead, they asked, if people want to show support, "please do so through your prayers, kind words, and cherished memories." Efforts to reach Mendoza were not immediately successful on Monday. DiNapoli was last seen on June 29 and reported missing the following day. She said she was staying with a friend and would return home the next day. Her body was found on July 2, by a drone. During the search for her, police said the man last seen with DeNapoli, Martin Mendoza, was considered a "person of interest" in the case. It's unclear just how DiNapoli died, or what the motive was for her death. Police also said Mendoza had been uncooperative with the investigation. After one conversation with him, police said, they were unable to find him until his arrest. Morgan Hill police said 30 investigators, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, worked on this case. There will also be three community events to mark DiNapoli's death, including on Monday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central High School, as well as on Tuesday and Wednesday, both at 6 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Community Cultural Center.
CBS News
5 days ago
- CBS News
Boyfriend of slain Morgan Hill teen Marissa DiNapoli arrested at California-Mexico border
The boyfriend of Marissa DiNapoli, the 18-year-old Morgan Hill woman who was found dead after going missing for several days, was arrested at the California-Mexico border, authorities said. The Morgan Hill Police Department said 20-year-old Martin Mendoza was arrested Sunday at the Calexico border crossing after trying to come back into the U.S. from Mexicali and was charged with murder. The Morgan Hill Times reported that U.S. Marshals arrested Mendoza and that he was being held at the Imperial County Jail in El Centro. Following the discovery of DiNapoli's body last week under a bridge near Anderson Lake in Morgan Hill, Mendoza was identified as a person of interest in the case. Police said Mendoza was not cooperative in the investigation, and the department asked the public to help find him. Family members said the couple had been in a relationship that showed signs of abuse and domestic violence. The family also shared a surveillance video on social media that appeared to show DiNapoli and Mendoza leaving a house together on June 30 and that Mendoza later returned DiNapoli's car to the same house alone. DiNapoli's family released the following statement through the police department: "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." Morgan Hill police said dozens of investigators worked around the clock to track Mendoza, and the department extended its gratitude to 15 different agencies that helped in the search, including the Santa Clara County District Attorney and Sheriff's Offices, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Marshals Office, and the Gilroy and San Jose Police Departments. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to all law enforcement agencies involved in the pursuit and capture of Martin Mendoza, who is suspected in the tragic murder of Marissa DiNapoli," said Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner said in a prepared statement. "Your tireless dedication and cooperation have brought some measure of relief to our community during this incredibly difficult time. While Martin Mendoza's capture does not bring Marissa back, it is a crucial step toward justice and healing for her family and friends. Our hearts remain broken for Marissa's loved ones, and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers." "We would also like to thank our community members who have been tirelessly searching for Marissa and who alerted us to her location," Morgan Hill police said in a press release. "Together, this network of agencies and the community has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and upholding justice in memory of Marissa. There are three events this week in Morgan Hill to honor DiNapoli and provide community healing, support, and reflection. The Morgan Hill Unified School District will provide support services on Monday at Central High School, and mental health professionals will be available throughout the week. On Tuesday, the Morgan Hill Community Cultural Center will host a grief and healing circle at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, a seminar on domestic violence education and awareness will be held at the community center at 6 p.m. Police said the investigation remained active and ongoing. Anyone with information about the case was encouraged to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at (669) 253-4962 or via email at Anonymous tips can also be submitted to or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS.
CBS News
05-07-2025
- CBS News
Family, friends mourn Marissa DiNapoli in Morgan Hill as police seek boyfriend
Authorities in Morgan Hill continue to search for a man identified as a person of interest in the death of 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli, whose body was discovered near Anderson Lake earlier this week. DiNapoli had been reported missing by her family on Monday. Her relatives and friends began their own search and located her body days later near the lake. The man being sought is Martin Mendoza, who police believe is either DiNapoli's boyfriend or ex-boyfriend. Morgan Hill Police said they have not yet located him. While Mendoza has not been officially named a suspect, DiNapoli's family believes he is responsible for her death. Marissa DiNapoli (left) was last seen on June 29, 2025, according to Morgan Hill Police. Martin Mendoza (right) has been named a person of interest in the case. Morgan Hill Police Department "I know she was struggling to get out of the relationship for a really long time. It's not like this was her first time trying to leave and stuff," said Monice Ramirez, DiNapoli's older sister. Loved ones gathered Thursday night at a vigil near the location where her body was found, remembering DiNapoli as a sweet and caring young woman. She had recently graduated from high school and was preparing to attend a local college this fall. "She was really ambitious. She was kind. And she was really warm-spirited," Ramirez said. "When I think of Marissa, I think of love, right? I think of how much I love her." Family members said the couple had been in a relationship that showed signs of abuse and domestic violence. Authorities and the family are asking for the public's help in locating Mendoza, who may be driving a white Toyota Camry. Police have released two possible license plate numbers: CW87W00 or 9PTM351. The family also shared a surveillance video on social media that appeared to show DiNapoli and Mendoza leaving a house together on Sunday morning. They said Mendoza later returned DiNapoli's car to the same house alone. "It's stuff like this that's happening that makes you not trust anybody or anything," said Lina Perez, a Morgan Hill resident who visited the makeshift memorial on Friday with her daughter to pay their respects. The tragedy has reopened emotional wounds for many in the tight-knit South Bay community, which is still haunted by the 2012 disappearance and murder of local teenager Sierra LaMar. "I just feel so bad. This is so heartbreaking. We live in the same town. And I can't even imagine what her parents are going through," Perez said. Police have not disclosed whether their search for Mendoza is focused locally or extends out of state. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about Mendoza's whereabouts is urged to contact Morgan Hill Police.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Yahoo
Teen found dead just days after going missing
An 18-year-old has been found dead just days after she was reported missing in Morgan Hill, California, according to police. A body was found amid the search for Marissa DiNapoli on Wednesday and it was positively identified as her on Thursday, according to police. DiNapoli last communicated with her family on Saturday, sending them a text after 9 p.m. saying that she planned to stay the night with a friend and would return the next day, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department. She was reported missing on Monday after she did not return home or respond to calls from family, police said. Investigators determined DiNapoli was last seen with Martin Mendoza on June 28 just before 10 a.m. when the two were seen leaving a residence just outside the city limits of Morgan Hill, police said. DiNapoli's car was later found in the same area, police said. MORE: 1 person killed in house fire in California after fireworks explode in garage: Police "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 said in a statement. Mendoza was identified as a person of interest during the search for DiNapoli and remains so, according to police. Mendoza was not cooperative in the initial investigation, police said. "Detectives are actively seeking information on his whereabouts and urge anyone with knowledge to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately. Mendoza is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry bearing either license plate CW87W00 or 9PTM351," police said in a statement Wednesday. But, police said they are actively seeking out other leads as well, asking anyone with any information to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at (669)-253-4962. DiNapoli's family asked for privacy as they grieve. MORE: 1 person killed in house fire in California after fireworks explode in garage: Police "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Marissa, and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey," the family said in a statement released by police. "We appreciate the love and support from those who have reached out. In honoring 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," the family said.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Body found in search for missing teenager last seen with her obsessed boyfriend
A body has been found in the search for a missing 18-year-old who disappeared over the weekend with her 'obsessed' boyfriend. Marissa DiNapoli was last heard from on Saturday, when she texted her family to say she was going to stay overnight with a friend. Police believe she was last seen the next morning at 9:45am in Morgan Hill, California with her boyfriend, named as Martin Mendoza, who officials say is considered a person of interest in her disappearance, per ABC7. She was last seen with Mendoza leaving a home outside of Morgan Hill, around three miles from where a body was found on Wednesday night near the Anderson Reservoir. Officials have not yet established if the body is DiNapoli, as they were unable to make a positive identification because of the condition of the body, and are awaiting a forensic pathology report. DiNapoli's car was later found in the same area where she was last seen, with cops now urgently searching for Mendoza. Friends of DiNapoli told NBC Bay Area that she had previously shared that she was fearful of Mendoza, claiming that she told them, 'he would kill her, that he would not stop, that he's obsessed with her, that he's crazy and that he's willing to go to that extent.' Police believe she was last seen the next morning at 9:45am in Morgan Hill, California with her boyfriend, named as Martin Mendoza (pictured), who officials say is considered a person of interest in her disappearance California cops said they contacted Mendoza during the search, but he was not cooperative with investigators and was considered a person of interest soon after. He is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry with a license plate of either CW87W00 or 9PTM351. DiNapoli's friend Jaslyn Gutierrez said that the teen had told her about her fears that Mendoza would 'kill her' during their relationship. Gutierrez added that she had known DiNapoli for years, and said they 'had a bond that nobody could break'. Several of DiNapoli's friends said that the area around Anderson Lake where the body was found was a place the couple had been known to hang out at. Family friend Serina Soque added that some of DiNapoli's loved ones contacted Mendoza during the search, and claimed that he, 'tried to say he wasn't Martin and then followed that with he hasn't spoken to her for two weeks'. Soque claimed that there is a 'video of him on the 29th (of June) and leaving with her', however Daily Mail has not independently verified this. In a press release on Wednesday before the body was found, officials addressed DiNapoli directly, urging her to come forward. 'Marissa, if you are reading this press release, please contact the Morgan Hill Police Department,' the release said. Law enforcement sources told NBC Bay Area that it was DiNapoli's own family who found the body on Wednesday, after her loved ones had been searching the surrounding area for days. She is described as a Hispanic woman, about 5 feet tall, weighing about 100 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. DiNapoli graduated from Opportunity Youth Academy three weeks ago, and her teacher Tara Guerrero, who was helping the search, said she was a bright and kind person. 'Every student in my class touches my heart, but her especially. She had the brightest smile that would light up every room, she was friends and friendly with everyone who came into our classroom,' she said. 'She's just one of those kids that leaves a mark on your heart, and I have a broken heart right now. I consider her one of my own children.'
