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“Marissa’s body was found last night, July 2. The Santa Clara County Coroner confirmed her identity today, July 3,” the Morgan Hill Police Department wrote.
“This is not the outcome any of us wanted and we are heartbroken by this news. (DiNapoli) was a vibrant member of our Morgan Hill community with a bright future ahead of her,” MHPD wrote.
Police and FBI agents are now searching for DiNapoli’s boyfriend, Martin Mendoza. According to MHPD, he refused to cooperate with the missing person investigation and his whereabouts are currently unknown.
“We will make sure justice is served for Marissa,” MHPD wrote.
DiNapoli’s last communication with her family was sent through text messages on June 28 at 9:16 p.m. In the messages, she indicated that she planned to stay with a friend for the evening and would return home the following day. After DiNapoli did not return home or respond to calls from family members, she was reported missing to police on June 30, MHPD said.
Detectives said the teenager was last seen alive on June 29 at 9:45 a.m. with Mendoza. They were leaving a residence on Trail Drive near Morgan Hill. Her Ford Mustang convertible was found parked in the same area.
DiNapoli’s friends and family members conducted searches on July 2. Not long before sunset, a body was found at Anderson Lake County Park. The grim discovery was made by a person who flew a drone over Woodchoppers Flat Picnic Area, police told KRON4. Investigators swarmed the area searching for evidence.
Dozens of investigators are working on the case, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, and Sheriff’s Office. On Thursday, police officers searched a home on Trail Drive.
“While Martin Mendoza is still considered a person of interest in this case, we are actively seeking out other leads as well,” the police department wrote.
Mendoza is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry with a license plate number of CW87W00 or 9PTM351, according to MHPD.
Anyone who has information that could help the investigation is asked to call Detective Kyle Tolentino at 669-253-4962.
A coroner’s autopsy will determine DiNapoli’s cause of death.
DiNapoli’s family issued a statement Thursday afternoon, writing, “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. 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.”
The Morgan Hill Police Department said it’s unable to share some information gathered in the investigation. “We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work, and as we make every effort to uphold the integrity of this investigation,” MHPD wrote.
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