Police are hunting for the man suspected of killing the 18-year-old California girl, whose decaying body was found under a bridge on July 2, only days after she was reported missing.
On July 2, police in Santa Clara County confirmed that a body was discovered near Anderson Lake County Park – just miles from where 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli was last seen. But at the time – due to the “condition of the body” – police said it was difficult to identify that the remains belonged to the teen, who was reported missing on June 29.
Last contact
On the night of June 28 at 9:16 p.m., DeNapoli texted her family to say she was staying with a friend and would be home the next day, according to Morgan Hill Police Department (MHPD).
When she did not return home or respond to calls from family members, she was reported missing.
Seen with boyfriend
The last time DiNapoli was seen alive was June 29, when she and her 21-year-old boyfriend Martin Mendoza – now considered “a person of interest” – were captured on a surveillance video leaving a residence, where her car was later found.
The Morgan Hill Times reports that audio on the video clip revealed that Mendoza asked DiNapoli, “Why would you text your ex?”
“We see her come out of the house and we see her leave with Martin,” DiNapoli’s sister Monice Ramirez told ABC 7 after reviewing the footage. “They were leaving the house together and Martin comes back with the car without Marissa.”
Body found
After a massive search involving several local and federal authorities, it was revealed that a body was found near Anderson Lake County Park, “a place that Mendoza used to go with DiNapoli,” NBC Bay Area reports.
At the time, however, it was unclear who the remains belonged to.
“Due to the condition of the body, we were unable to make an identification,” a MHPD captain told the outlet, explaining that she “had been out there for a while.”
The official added, “We will need to wait for the results of the medical examination before we can provide any further information.”
‘Our arms are around you’
Sadly, the next day, police announced they had confirmed that the remains belonged to DiNapoli.
“We are devastated to inform you that Marissa’s body was found last night, July 2, 2025. The Santa Clara County Coroner confirmed her identity today, July 3, 2025,” MHPD shared in an emotional Facebook post. “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.”
Before explaining that the investigation is ongoing, the message said, “To Marissa’s family, our arms are around you. Our whole Department is here to support you during this unimaginable time.”
‘Deeply saddened’
Meanwhile, DiNapoli’s family issued a statement through MHPD: “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,” loved ones wrote.
“We appreciate the love and support from those who have reached out…If you wish to show support, please do so through your prayers, kind words, and cherished memories.”
In a Facebook post, DiNapoli’s stepmother shared a heartbreaking message, where she also expressed her rage over Mendoza: “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. She was only 18 and had her entire amazing life ahead of her….My only hope now is that Marissa receives the justice she deserves. I am already circulating your face all over Mexico, Martin Mendoza, you total excuse of a life. We WILL find your pathetic a**. Justice for Marissa.”
‘He’s obsessed with her’
Hoping to bring closure to the family and loved ones, police are hoping to speak with Mendoza, who those close to her say had raised alarms.
Jaslyn Gutierrez told NBC Bay Area that her best friend had previously expressed fear for her life.
“Marissa has told me, firsthand in the car with my friends outside of my house, that [Mendoza] 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,” Gutierrez said.
Refused to cooperate
Mendoza has been labeled “a person of interest” in the investigation and police say he has refused to cooperate since the beginning.
“We are still actively trying to get a hold of him and still actively trying to look for him,” MHPD Capt. Mario Rodriguez told the Morgan Hill Times. “We have tried reaching out by cell phone through his family, we have extended that olive branch for him to speak with us, and he has yet to do so.”
Appealing to Mendoza, Rodriguez said: “If Martin Mendoza is reading [this], please contact us. We want to talk to you, we want to find out what happened. It is important that we be able to bring closure to Marissa’s family.”
Mendoza is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry with one of two license plates: CW87W00 or 9PTM351.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Mendoza’s whereabouts to submit an anonymous tip through the city’s website.
Rest in peace, Marissa. Please share your condolences to the family in the comment section below and then share this story so we can also hear from others.
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