Who killed Marissa DiNapoli? Missing California teen found dead near Anderson Lake

Marissa DiNapoli, an 18-year-old woman from Morgan Hill, California, has been confirmed dead just days after she was reported missing by her family. Authorities located her body near Anderson Lake County Park during an extensive multi-agency search, and on Thursday, the Santa Clara County Coroner formally identified the remains.

DiNapoli had last contacted her family on Saturday, June 28, texting them after 9 p.m. to say she planned to stay the night with a friend and would return the next day. When she failed to return home and did not respond to messages or phone calls, her family filed a missing person report with the Morgan Hill Police Department on Monday, June 30.

Investigators soon determined that DiNapoli was last seen with 21-year-old Martin Mendoza, who was identified on surveillance footage leaving a residence outside Morgan Hill with her that Sunday morning at approximately 9:45 a.m. Her car was later located near that same Trail Drive location. This information intensified the investigation, ultimately leading to the discovery of her body beneath a bridge at Anderson Lake on Wednesday, July 3.

What evidence led police and community search teams to focus efforts near Anderson Lake

The Trail Drive residence where DiNapoli and Mendoza were last seen became a focal point for both law enforcement and local volunteers. When DiNapoli’s vehicle was discovered nearby, the search radius expanded to cover terrain between the residence and Anderson Lake. Searchers using drones identified what appeared to be a body in heavy brush, and law enforcement secured the area shortly thereafter.

The Santa Clara County Coroner conducted a formal identification, which was confirmed on Thursday. The terrain and brush conditions posed difficulties for recovery, and officials stated the body had been exposed to elements for several days.

How are federal and local agencies coordinating the search for person of interest Martin Mendoza

Martin Mendoza was quickly designated a person of interest in the investigation. Authorities have confirmed that Mendoza has not cooperated with the police and is currently being sought in connection with DiNapoli’s death. According to police, he may be driving a white Toyota Camry with license plate numbers CW87W00 or 9PTM351.

Multiple agencies are now involved in the search, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and Morgan Hill Police Department. Investigators have issued a region-wide alert and are working with border and transportation authorities to track any potential attempts to flee the state or country.

Officials have emphasized that Mendoza should be considered dangerous and urged the public not to approach him if seen, but instead contact law enforcement immediately. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at (669) 253-4962.

What details have emerged about DiNapoli’s final hours and her relationship with Mendoza

Witnesses and friends described Mendoza as a former boyfriend of DiNapoli’s, with several individuals recalling troubling behavior in recent weeks. One classmate told local media that Mendoza had become “obsessed” with DiNapoli and was increasingly possessive. Another close friend alleged that Marissa had confided in her about fears that Mendoza might harm her.

Surveillance footage from the morning of June 29 reportedly showed Mendoza and DiNapoli leaving the Trail Drive home together. Police later confirmed that Mendoza was seen returning the car alone.

Friends also reported that DiNapoli and Mendoza had recently reconnected in May and had been communicating regularly. However, those familiar with their dynamic said the relationship was tense and that Mendoza had previously made threats. One friend said Mendoza once told DiNapoli he would “kill her” if she ever tried to leave.

How has the Morgan Hill community responded to DiNapoli’s death and the ongoing investigation

The discovery of Marissa’s body has sent shockwaves through the Morgan Hill community. Her friends, classmates, neighbors, and church members have gathered in various locations across the city to mourn her death, including at a vigil held near the Anderson Lake bridge.

The local high school where she graduated recently held a moment of silence in her honor. Teachers described her as a student who “left a mark on everyone’s heart” and often volunteered in community service programs. One teacher recalled Marissa helping organize food deliveries for the unhoused population in nearby Gilroy.

Online forums and social media channels have also flooded with tributes, with many urging for policy reforms around domestic violence education in schools and early intervention in controlling or abusive relationships.

The DiNapoli family released a statement through police, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Marissa, and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey. We appreciate the love and support from those who have reached out. In honoring Marissa’s memory, we kindly ask that no GoFundMe accounts or donation pages be created. If you wish to show support, please do so through your prayers, kind words, and cherished memories.”

How does this case highlight wider concerns around teen dating violence in California and beyond

The tragic death of Marissa DiNapoli has renewed focus on teen dating violence, a topic that has seen increased awareness in California following high-profile cases in the past decade. Santa Clara County has seen multiple youth-related homicide investigations in recent years, prompting calls for prevention programs and better access to mental health and relationship counseling for teens.

Advocacy groups have used the DiNapoli case to amplify conversations around relationship red flags, the importance of trusting instincts, and the need for peer-based intervention models. Public safety officials, in separate statements, emphasized that this case should prompt families, schools, and communities to have open dialogues about emotional abuse, possessiveness, and the dangers of ignoring behavioral cues.

While the investigation into DiNapoli’s death continues, the case has also reignited calls for better coordination between schools and law enforcement when early signs of dating violence emerge.

What are the likely next steps in the investigation and when could Mendoza face charges

Police have not yet confirmed a cause of death pending forensic analysis. However, the scale of law enforcement response suggests that homicide charges may follow once Mendoza is located. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses, gather digital evidence, and reconstruct the timeline between June 28 and July 3.

If Mendoza is apprehended, he could face charges ranging from unlawful disposal of remains to homicide, depending on what additional evidence emerges. Police have stated that the case remains active and open, with further updates expected as results from the coroner’s office and forensic teams are finalized.

Why Marissa DiNapoli’s death is becoming a call to action for parents, schools, and law enforcement on teen relationship violence

As the community of Morgan Hill grieves the loss of one of its own, the search for answers continues. Law enforcement remains committed to locating Martin Mendoza and bringing clarity to the circumstances of Marissa DiNapoli’s death. In the meantime, the case serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of early intervention, community vigilance, and the urgent need to confront the reality of youth relationship violence.