Man Indicted for Murder of Maryland Woman DaCara Thompson

Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, a 35-year-old undocumented Guatemalan immigrant, has been indicted on charges including common law murder, tampering with physical evidence, and unauthorized disposal of a body in connection with the death of 19-year-old DaCara Thompson of Prince George's County, Maryland. Thompson was reported missing on August 23 after last being seen getting into a black SUV, linked to Hernandez-Mendez, and later found dead near Route 50 in Anne Arundel County. Authorities believe Hernandez-Mendez killed Thompson in his Bowie home, where evidence such as blood and a missing fingernail was discovered. Hernandez-Mendez has been held without bail since his arrest, and Prince George's County State's Attorney Tara Jackson described the indictment as a critical step in the criminal justice process. Thompson's family expressed a desire for justice and vindication, highlighting her promising future and community involvement. The case has drawn attention to Hernandez-Mendez's prior federal DUI arrest earlier in the year, which did not result in detention prior to the murder charges.