MORGAN HILL – The body found near a lake Wednesday night was identified Thursday as that of Marissa DiNapoli, an 18-year-old Morgan Hill woman reported missing earlier this week, according to authorities.
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Police seek missing Morgan Hill woman, person of interest
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office confirmed DiNapoli’s identity Thursday.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Marissa,” DiNapoli’s family said in a statement, “and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey.”
Martin Mendoza has been named as a person of interest in the case, according to authorities.
DiNapoli’s family reported her missing Monday. On Saturday, she told family members she was planning to spend the night with a friend, but she did not return home the next day or respond to calls, the Morgan Hill Police Department said Wednesday.
DiNapoli was last seen around 9:45 a.m. Sunday with Mendoza, according to police.
The pair was spotted leaving a home on Trail Drive, just outside the city limits of Morgan Hill. DiNapoli’s car, a black 2012 Ford Mustang convertible, was found in the same area.
Mendoza was not cooperative with the police department’s initial investigation, police said.
Detectives are searching for Mendoza and asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately. He is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry with a license plate of CW87W00 or 9PTM351.
In a Facebook post Tuesday, a woman who identified herself as DiNapoli’s sister shared a 13-second video clip of DiNapoli and Mendoza leaving the Trail Drive residence. Mendoza can be heard asking DiNapoli, “Why would you text your ex?”
The sister said Mendoza returned alone in DiNapoli’s car and claimed he had not seen DiNapoli in two weeks.
More than 30 investigators have worked on the case since DiNapoli was reported missing, according to police.
“This is not the outcome any of us wanted and we are heartbroken by this news,” police said in an update on the case. “Marissa was a vibrant member of our Morgan Hill community with a bright future ahead of her.”
Anyone with information related to the case can contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at [email protected] or 669-253-4962, or the anonymous tip line at 800-222-8477.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.