After a devastating two-week search for their missing daughter, Dacara Thompson, the Thompson family is grappling with a heartbreaking loss. Authorities confirmed last week that the 19-year-old was murdered, with her body discovered off Route 50 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Soon after, suspect Hugo Hernandez-Mendez was taken into custody and is currently held without bail as investigations continue into Thompson’s tragic death.
In the wake of this harrowing news, Carmen Thompson, Dacara’s mother, spoke at a court hearing on Monday, addressing the public and media regarding the misinformation circulating on social media. “She was a good girl. She was a good kid,” Carmen stated, as reported by ABC News. Her plea for understanding aimed at countering disparaging rumors about her daughter’s character, underscoring the family’s desire for respect during their mourning. “Please don’t believe everything you see. Don’t believe everything you hear,” she urged, asking the community to engage with compassion in light of their grief.
Dacara Thompson was last seen on August 22. After her parents couldn’t contact her for 24 hours, they reported her missing, prompting police action. Investigators soon uncovered surveillance footage showing Dacara being approached by a black SUV, conversing with the driver before entering the vehicle. This pivotal evidence marked the start of an intense investigation into her disappearance.
As reported previously by theGrio, authorities later traced the SUV to a home in Bowie, where detectives found critical evidence suggesting Thompson was murdered inside Hernandez-Mendez’s bedroom. The timeline and details surrounding her last moments have left the community in shock, as they seek answers and justice.
Carmen Thompson reflected on her daughter’s promising future, stating, “I just want justice served for my daughter.” She highlighted that Dacara had just turned 19 and was participating in Maryland’s Year Service Program under West Moore’s guidance. Dacara had recently completed a successful year-long internship, exemplifying her dedication and hard work. “She was a kind of outgoing, soft-spoken kind young lady. She was a free spirit,” Carmen described, painting a picture of a vibrant young woman taken too soon.
Community leaders have also expressed their condolences and a commitment to supporting the Thompson family during this difficult time. Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy described Dacara as a “good, good, good young woman who wanted to do good for her community.” Her words resonated deeply within the community as they rally behind the family, calling for justice in light of this tragedy.
While Hugo Hernandez-Mendez awaits trial, the Thompson family is left to navigate the painful realities of the investigation. They face the arduous task of recounting the events leading up to their daughter’s disappearance, a process that will undoubtedly be emotionally taxing. “We know it’s going to be extremely hard,” Carmen acknowledged, asking for prayers to bolster their strength throughout this tumultuous journey.
This structured approach provides a clear narrative of the tragic events, reflecting both the emotional weight of the family’s experience and the factual details surrounding Dacara’s case.