Family of Prince George County Teenager Found Deceased in Annapolis Prepare for Final Arrangements

The family of Da’Cara Thompson, the 19 year old Prince George County resident who was found after reportedly being killed and thrown over a bridge in Annapolis recently, is preparing to lay her to rest, according to an online profile. 

"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Da’Cara Thompson. This sudden and tragic turn has left our family devastated," the profile said.  "Da’Cara was a beautiful, kind-hearted young woman who brought joy to everyone around her, and her absence has created a void that words can't fill. During the days she was missing, we held onto hope, but now we must focus on honoring her memory with the dignified farewell she deserves." In a heartwarming video, Da’Cara can be seen making mention of her dream career as a real estate professional. 

Services for Da’Cara are planned for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in Upper Marlboro, according to a tribute posted to social media. 

Governor Wes Moore released the following statement: “Our entire state mourns the horrible loss of Da’Cara Thompson, who was taken from us by an act of senseless violence. Dawn and I join all Marylanders in praying for Da’Cara and her family in the wake of this tragedy. We are grateful for the dedicated men and women of law enforcement, including Maryland State Police and the Prince George’s County Police Department, who have collaborated closely throughout this investigation. I have been, and will continue to be, in constant contact with our public safety partners as they carry out their work to ensure that justice is served.Da’Cara raised her hand right out of high school to join our most recent cohort of Maryland Service Year Option members –patriotic Marylanders committed to public service. She yearned to be part of our mission to solve big problems with bold solutions through her passion for the arts. She was a bright light in our state. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure those responsible for this crime are held accountable and honor Da’Cara’s legacy of service through our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all Marylanders."

The Prince George's County Police Department's Homicide Unit identified and arrested a suspect in connection with her death: 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez of Bowie.

Ms. Thompson was first reported missing by her family to the PGPD on August 23, 2025. On August 31, 2025, the Maryland State Police (MSP) commenced a death investigation after a body was discovered off Route 50 in Anne Arundel County. This body was subsequently identified as Ms. Thompson. The PGPD and MSP have been collaborating closely on this case since her discovery. Further investigation, including surveillance video, showed Ms. Thompson approaching and entering a black SUV in the early morning hours of August 23, 2025. The SUV was then tracked to a residence located in the 12000 block of Kembridge Drive in Bowie. A search warrant executed on September 4, 2025, at this address led to the discovery of crucial evidence indicating that Ms. Thompson was murdered in a bedroom within the residence. Hernandez-Mendez, who has access to the aforementioned SUV and resides in the bedroom where the murder is believed to have occurred, was subsequently arrested and charged with her murder.

According to the charging documents, detectives believe that the defendant murdered Da’Cara in his home located in Bowie, after meeting her after leaving an area nightclub on the morning of August 23, 2025. Detectives believe that after the Hernandez-Mendez murdered the decedent , he threw her body over the short bridge above the South River in order to conceal the crime and recovery of the decedent's body.

The documents state that Ms. Thompson's remains were located on the river embankment approximately 31 feet below. The remains, found decomposed and without clothing, were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. 

Detectives are actively working to determine the official manner of death and whether or not the suspect and victim had any prior acquaintance before August 23, 2025. Hernandez-Mendez has been charged with first and second-degree murder and is currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections, being held without bond. Related: Deceased Person Found in Annapolis Identified as Prince George County Teen, Suspect Arrested on Homicide Allegations     Prince George County Teen Had Been Thrown Over Bridge Before Being Found in Annapolis, Charging Documents Allege    Authorities Working to Identify Woman Found Dead in Annapolis

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