Police are seeking for the man they suspect killed the 18-year-old girl from California. On July 2, just a few days after she was reported missing, her body was found under a bridge.
On July 2, police in Santa Clara County said they had located a body in Anderson Lake County Park, which is only a few miles from where 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli was last seen. But authorities claimed it was hard to tell if the remains belonged to the young person, who had been missing since June 29, because of how the body looked.
Last time we talked
DeNapoli texted her family on June 28 at 9:16 p.m. to say she was staying with a friend and would be home the next day, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department (MHPD).
People said she was missing since she didn’t return home or accept calls from her family.
With boyfriend
No one saw DiNapoli alive after June 29. She and her 21-year-old boyfriend, Martin Mendoza, who is now a “person of interest,” were caught on security cameras leaving a house where her car was later found.
The Morgan Hill Times states that the sound on the video showed Mendoza asking DiNapoli, “Why would you text your ex?”
After watching the video, DiNapoli’s sister Monice Ramirez told ABC 7, “We see her come out of the house and leave with Martin.” “Martin went with them, but he came back with the car and not Marissa.”
Body found
NBC Bay Area stated that a body was found in Anderson Lake County Park, a place where Mendoza and DiNapoli often went. This happened after a lot of local and federal agencies searched for a long time.
But back then, it wasn’t clear whose bodies they were.
The MHPD captain informed the newspaper that they couldn’t figure out who the body belonged to because it was in horrible shape and had been out there for a time.
The official added, “We can’t tell you anything else until we get the results of the medical exam.”
“We have you in our arms.”
The next day, nevertheless, the police announced they had confirmed that the bones were DiNapoli’s.
We are so sorry to have to tell you that Marissa’s body was found last night, July 2, 2025. The Santa Clara County Coroner confirmed her identify today, July 3, 2025,” MHPD wrote on Facebook in a sad post. “This is not what any of us wanted, and we are very sad to hear this.” Marissa was a dynamic part of our Morgan Hill neighborhood, and she had a bright future ahead of her.
The statement went on to say, “We are with Marissa’s family.” It then went on to add that the probe is still going on. Our whole department is eager to help you get through this awful time.
“Very sad”
Simultaneously, DiNapoli’s family sent out a statement through the MHPD that said, “We are heartbroken about the loss of our dear Marissa.” Our family would appreciate some privacy right now as we mourn and deal with this hard time.
“We appreciate the love and support we’ve gotten from people who have reached out…” Please show your support by praying for them, speaking nice things about them, and recalling the happy moments you had with them.
DiNapoli’s stepmother wrote a sad post on Facebook that also indicated her fury at Mendoza: “This is every parent’s worst nightmare.” She was only 18 and had a long, bright future ahead of her. I really want Marissa to get the justice she deserves right now. You are a terrible waste of life, Martin Mendoza. I am already showing your face all throughout Mexico. We WILL find you, you pathetic piece of shit. “Justice for Marissa.”
“He’s crazy about her.”
The police want to talk to Mendoza, who many people close to her say raised alarms, in the hopes of giving the family and friends some peace.
Jaslyn Gutierrez told NBC Bay Area that her best friend had already told her that she was terrified for her life.
Gutierrez said, “Marissa has told me in person, 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 that far.”
Did not want to give help
The police said that Mendoza is “a person of interest” in the investigation and has not been willing to help from the start.
“We are still actively trying to get ahold of him and looking for him,” said MHPD Capt. Mario Rodriguez to the Morgan Hill Times. “We’ve tried to reach him by cell phone through his family.” We have given him the chance to talk to us, but he hasn’t yet.
Rodriguez told Mendoza, “If Martin Mendoza is reading this, please get in touch with us.” We want to talk to you and learn what happened. We need to be able to help Marissa’s family move on.
Mendoza’s white Toyota Camry could have either the CW87W00 or 9PTM351 license plate.
Anyone who knows where Mendoza is should email an anonymous tip through the city’s website, according to the authorities.
Marisa, may you rest in peace.