The community of Morgan Hill is also in mourning state after the death of Marissa DiNapoli, 18-year-old, whose body was found near Lake Anderson, on July 2, only days after authorities have announced her missing. Martin Mendoza, her former lover, is now arrested, and he is accused in her murder.
The last time DiNapoli spoke with her family was the evening of June 28 when she sent a text that she intended to stay with a friend. This was the last message anyone ever heard of her, and it was at 9.16 p.m.
The next day her family did not hear of her and reported her missing, prompting an emergency search by police and family and friends.
A Body Located, and the Greatest Fear of a Family Realized
On July 2, Morgan Hill Police Division confirmed that a body had been discovered in the secluded location around Lake Anderson, a recreational area in Santa Clara County. The following day, the police identified it as Marissa DiNapoli.
This revelation broke the hopes of the family, friends and members of the community who had entertained hope that Marissa would come home unharmed.
The Morgan Hill Police Department wrote in a statement that Marissa was a young woman with a bright future and had been a radiant, compassionate person.
The Border Arrest
Later in the investigation, Martin Mendoza, the 20-year-old ex-boyfriend of DiNapoli, emerged as a person of interest. A video recording demonstrated how DiNapoli walked out of a home with Mendoza on June 29 at 9:45 a.m., and only a dozen hours later she had been texting her family.
It is believed that the last person to talk to her alive could be Mendoza.
Mendoza was detained when he tried to reenter the United States at the California Mexico border on Sunday, July 6, by authorities. He was arrested without any issues and has been charged with murder.
According to Morgan Hill police, Mendoza was arrested after a long period of investigation, and in collaboration with federal border officers.
The department said that though the arrest of Mendoza might bring relief, it does not lessen the heartbreak that we all still experience.
The Loss of a Family, a Community in Grief
The DiNapoli family issued a statement thanking people for their support but requesting their privacy as they mourn their unthinkable loss.
The family said, “We are heartbroken over the killing of our precious Marissa, and at this moment, we would like to request our family and friends to respect our privacy as we mourn and go through this stressful process.”
They also said that to celebrate the memory of Marissa, they do not want people to donate or create GoFundMe pages. Instead, they have requested individuals to support them with prayers, sweet words, and memories of the talented, young lady they loved.
A Teacher Remembers Marissa
Among the people who feel the loss of Marissa is Tara Guerrero, who taught Marissa in her school, Opportunity Youth Academy. Guerrero was already assisting in the search of Marissa when her body was discovered.
Guerrero told NBC Bay Area that every student in her class is special to her, but especially this student. She had a very bright smile that would illuminate any room. She was friendly and friends with all.”
Choking up, Guerrero said, referring to Fernandez, “She was just one of those kids that you never forget and I have a broken heart right now.”
The Next Steps of the Investigation
As the nation is mourning, now comes the legal work. Mendoza is still under custody and may be arraigned in the next few days.
The police have not yet provided any reasons or additional information concerning the nature of the demise of Marissa, but they have assured that their investigation is still running.
The police are still collecting evidence and are asking the people with any information related to the case to come forward.
Meanwhile, the DiNapoli family struggles with the devastating consequence of the death of a young woman who all that knew her said was warm, loving and full of life.
One of the family friends said “she was not a victim. She was a daughter, a student, a friend. And she was loved.”
