The Morgan Hill community and the DiNapoli family are grappling with the heartbreaking discovery of 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli's body, found on Wednesday near Anderson Lake, a detail confirmed by the Morgan Hill Police Department and reported by CBS News San Francisco. The case, which had triggered an extensive search after DiNapoli went missing over the weekend, now moves into the realm of a criminal investigation, with police continuing efforts to locate Martin Mendoza, identified as a person of interest.
In a tragic update to the community, the Morgan Hill Police Department, through a social media post, affirmed that over 30 investigators are involved in the case, encompassing multiple enforcement and investigative bodies, in hope of uncovering the circumstances behind DiNapoli's untimely death her car was also found deserted in the area where she was last spotted leaving a residence on Trail Drive, which was coupled with surveillance footage placing her in the company of Mendoza on Sunday, the day she disappeared.
As reported by NBC Bay Area, DiNapoli's family provided a statement, expressing their profound sorrow and forgoing any requests for crowdfunding, asking the public to instead offer prayers and memories in tribute to Marissa's life. The somber sentiment was echoed throughout the community, with an outpouring of tributes to DiNapoli, known for her kindness and aspirations to become a nurse.
Martin Mendoza has become a central figure in the probe, not aiding in the investigation, driving a white Toyota Camry with possible plates CW87W00 or 9PTM351, and despite the police's appeal for any details on his whereabouts, Mendoza remains elusive "Just searching for evidence of identity that's his actual true residence, and making sure if there were any signs of evidence from this crime," said Captain Mario Ramirez, as detailed in the same NBC Bay Area report, following a search of Mendoza's home.
The police department continues to seek information, asking those with any knowledge of the case to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at 669-253-4962 or via email, with the option for anonymous tips available online.
