‘She was a bright light’: Gov. Moore mourns loss of Hyattsville woman

MARYLAND (DC News Now) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is calling Dacara Thompson’s murder an act of senseless violence, after a man was charged in connection with the missing 19-year-old’s death.

In a statement released on Friday, Moore mourned the loss of Thompson, who was found dead off the side of Route 55 in Anne Arundel County on Aug. 31. This comes after the Hyattsville woman was reported missing by her family on Aug. 23.

During the time of her disappearance, Thompson lived with her dad and was a member of Governor Moore’s Maryland Service Year Option.

“She yearned to be part of our mission to solve big problems with bold solutions through her passion for the arts,” Moore wrote in his statement.

On Friday, Sept. 5, Prince George’s County police and leaders announced that a 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez was arrested and charged with murder in connection with Thompson’s death.

Moore added that he has been in constant contact with public safety partners throughout the investigation.

“She was a bright light in our state. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure those responsible for this crime are held accountable and honor Da’Cara’s legacy of service through our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all Marylanders,” he added.