Tears flow as family, friends gather to find missing Hyattsville woman

HYATTSVILLE, Md. (DC News Now) — Family and friends filled a parking lot Sunday night as they searched for a loved one.

“My heart is broken, my heart is broken,” said a distraught Carmen Thompson, as she described her life since her daughter, Dacara Thompson, disappeared on August 22.

She joined her family and friends for a prayer vigil in a parking lot not far from where she is said to have left her car along Jasmine Terrace. Cameras showed Thompson as she walked down a sidewalk towards Riggs Road.

“Nobody should experience what I’m feeling right now as a parent,” Thompson said.

Thompson’s father delivered a short and simple message.

“I want her to come home,” Daniel Thompson said.

Tears flowed openly during the roughly one-hour vigil, as people gathered to help the family during this difficult time.

“This is not okay,” said Wanika Robinson, Thompson’s ex-wife, and considered a second mother to Dacara.

Her thoughts are not just for the young woman, but for all missing children.

“Our children are not prey. They are not objects to be taken, trafficked, or silenced,” Robinson said.

The crowd also made their voices heard in other ways.

“Have you guys seen this young lady before?” volunteers asked drivers as they passed out flyers with Thompson’s picture on them.

“I just want my daughter back safe, I do,” said Carmen Thompson.

The family said drones will be used Monday to try and find any sign of Dacara Thompson.