The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) announced that detectives developed probable cause on September 5 to charge a suspect in the killing of 19-year-old DaCara Thompson. Officials said Hugo Rene Hernandez Mendez, 35, of Bowie, Maryland, is charged with first- and second-degree murder. Authorities outlined a timeline of Thompson’s last known movements, the discovery of a body near U.S. Route 50, and the steps that led to the arrest. The investigation remains active.
Timeline and Key Facts
According to PGPD, DaCara Thompson was last seen on August 22. Her family located her vehicle in the Jasmine Terrace area of Hyattsville, Maryland. On August 31, what investigators believe to be Thompson’s body was found by Maryland State Police (MSP) along eastbound U.S. Route 50 near Route 97. MSP later noted troopers were dispatched shortly before 5 p.m. to an area between Maryland Route 424 and Interstate 97, where a female was found unresponsive in a grassy area off the highway.
Vehicle Movements and Address Links
PGPD said that at approximately 3 a.m. on August 23, Thompson “willfully entered” a vehicle driven by Hernandez Mendez. Through investigative techniques and video review, detectives tracked the vehicle’s movements to an address on Kimber Ridge Drive in Bowie. Detectives executed multiple search warrants on September 4, leading to Hernandez Mendez being taken into custody and presented to a court commissioner.
Location of Alleged crime and Recovery site
Investigators said they believe the murder occurred in Hernandez Mendez’s bedroom at a home on Cambridge Drive in Bowie. Authorities stated that Thompson’s body was then taken to the location where it was later recovered along Route 50. Officials emphasized that, at this time, no additional suspects are identified, and the inquiry continues.
Interagency Coordination
PGPD’s Missing Persons Unit worked alongside the department’s Homicide Unit, with support from the Maryland State Police and the City of Bowie Police Department. Officials credited preexisting relationships among agencies with enabling rapid coordination, noting “jointly and tirelessly” executed efforts to assemble the facts. The public was urged to share information relevant to the case by contacting 1-866-411-TIS.
Statements from County Leadership
County leadership and law enforcement officials addressed the community’s role and the next steps:
- County Executive Ayesha Braveboy thanked residents for assisting Thompson’s family during the search and said “the search is over, and justice begins.” She noted DaCara Thompson was a 19-year-old graduate of Saint Charles High School and was participating in a service year with a nonprofit in Prince George’s County.
- MSP Superintendent Butler expressed condolences and described the discovery of a female body near Route 50 on August 31, adding that MSP and PGPD have been conducting a joint investigation and will continue to share updates as they become available.
- Bowie Police Chief Dwayne Preston cited strong partnerships among agencies and said it is the department’s prayer that justice will be served as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.
Legal Process and Custody Status
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson stated that Hernandez Mendez appeared before a commissioner, who determined there was probable cause to support the charges. He is being held without bond, with a bond hearing expected either the same day as the announcement or on the following Monday. Jackson explained that her office will review the evidence in the coming weeks to determine whether the suspect should be indicted, and, if so, on which charges. She emphasized due process and the need for transparent and fair proceedings in accordance with the law.
Unresolved Questions and Ongoing Investigation
During a media question-and-answer session, PGPD indicated they do not believe Thompson moved around the home and that events transpired in the bedroom. Officials said they are still investigating the circumstances that brought the two individuals together. In response to questions about criminal history, authorities noted awareness of one prior arrest in April by U.S. Park Police on a DUI charge and said there was no known history of other violent crimes. Officials added the suspect was not subject to an ICE detainer based on that spring arrest but said they believe one was issued the day before the briefing.
PGPD also addressed questions about initial community notifications, stating that investigators canvassed the area, searched, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed video as part of standard practice. Officials noted that the family and media played roles in disseminating information and that the community provided tips. Authorities said the body was identified after meeting with the family. Investigators reported receiving limited cooperation from the suspect during an interview and declined to discuss the manner of death.
Community and Next Steps in PGPD Arrest Man for Killing DaCara Thompson
Officials expressed gratitude to the investigative teams and the community for assistance throughout the case. Agencies reiterated that significant work remains and that they will continue to follow leads. As the case moves forward, the focus shifts to the legal process, including bond proceedings, evidence review, and potential indictment decisions by the State’s Attorney’s Office.
DaCara Thompson’s family has organized a GoFundMe for Homegoing services. Friends, family, and compassionate strangers are encouraged to support their fundraiser.
