September 22, 2025 • 11 mins
In this episode of Hunting 4 Answers: A simple late-night trip to put gas in her car became the beginning of a nightmare. Nineteen-year-old Dacara Thompson vanished after being seen on surveillance entering a black SUV. Days later, her car was found abandoned—and then her body discovered miles away along Maryland Route 50. Who was the man accused of taking her life? And how did Dacara end up in his car that night? If you have any information about Dacara Thompson's case, please contact Prince George’s County Police at 301-516-2512, or call 1-866-411-TIPS to remain anonymous.
This is the story of Dacara Thompson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hunting for Answers is a production of the Black Effect
Podcast Network and iHeartRadio. Welcome to Hunting for Answers, a
true crime podcast. I'm your host Hunter, and today we're
highlighting a case that happened in August twenty twenty five
and is still developing. A nineteen year old young woman
(00:22):
left her father's home in Atlanta, Maryland, telling him she
was going to put gas in her car. Surveillance captured
her at a local gas station, but she never made
it home. Nine days later, her body was discovered in
a remote area along Maryland Route fifty. The investigation has
(00:43):
sparked many questions, including about the man accused of taking
her life, a landscaper who police say killed her in
his home before dumping her body miles away. This is
the story of to Kara Thompson. Nakara Thompson was nineteen
(01:08):
years old with her whole life ahead of her. A
graduate of Saint Charles High School in Waldorf, she had
been living with her father and working at a nonprofit
as part of a service program for recent graduates. According
to Prince George's County executive Aisha brave Boy, she was
(01:29):
a young woman who dedicated part of her life to
serving others. Brave Boy said at a recent news conference.
This is a good, good, good young woman who wanted
to do good for her community, and now her community
will stand behind her family as we seek justice for her.
(01:50):
She was known for her vibrant spirit, close relationships with
her family, and a heart for helping others. On Thursday
August twenty second, in twenty twenty five, Dakia was staying
at her father's home in Lanam. It was a typical
summer evening when she texted her father that she was
(02:10):
going to get gas for her twenty thirteen Ford Edge.
It seemed like a simple trip, but that simple errand
would be the last time any of her loved ones
would see her. Alive. Surveillance cameras and Lanam showed to
Kara at a gas station and then in a parking
(02:32):
lot behind a family dollar in Langley Park around three
a m. On August twenty third. The footage shows her
approaching and sprinking briefly with the driver of a black suv,
then entering the front passenger seat. There is no indication
that she entered or interacted with the store itself. Investigators
(02:57):
later linked the suv to Hugo Herz Mendez, a thirty
five year old landscaper from Buie, Maryland. Her phone data
also placed her at his home between three forty seven
and five three a m. Before her device was deactivated.
(03:17):
Police have not confirmed whether to Kara and Hernandez Mendez
knew each other before that night. The circumstances that led
to her getting into his vehicle remain unclear. By Friday evening,
August twenty third, her father's worry had turned into fear,
and he reported her missing to local police just before
(03:39):
nine pm. The search for Decara began. Immediately, Police launched
an investigation, and her story spread across local news and
social media. Her family held on to hope, praying she
would walk through the door. The next day, August twenty fourth,
(04:01):
twenty twenty five, her car was found. Kara's white twenty
thirteen Ford Edge was discovered abandoned in Hyattsville, Maryland, miles
from where she was last seen. The vehicle provided a
crucial piece of the puzzle, but it also deepened the mystery.
(04:23):
Why was her car left there and what happened to Dakara.
For nine agonizing days, Takira's family and the community searched
for answers. Volunteers joined law enforcement and looking for any
trace of the missing teenager. Then, on Saturday, August thirty first,
(04:45):
twenty twenty five, the worst fears were realized. The Kira's
remains were discovered in a grassy area off Maryland Route
fifty in ann Arundel County. The location was remote. Her
body had been dumped more than thirty feet off the
South River Bridge. An autopsy revealed she had suffered skull
(05:10):
and facial fractures. The case was now formally being investigated
as a homicide. Police worked to piece together Dakara's final hours.
Evidence collected at the Buoy residence of Hugo Hernandez Mendez
included suspected bloodstains in his bedroom, a fake fingernail that
(05:34):
matched one missing from Dakara, hair from away consistent with
what she was last seen wearing, and possible blood in
the front passenger seat of his suv. A neighbor reported
seeing something burning in the backyard in the early morning
hours of August twenty third. While investigators are confident about
(05:57):
Hernandez Mendez's role in her death, they have not confirmed
how their paths initially crossed on Thursday, September five, twenty
twenty five, exactly two weeks after Dakara was reported missing,
Hugo Hernandez Mendez was arrested and formally charged with first
(06:18):
and second degree murder. Court documents alleged that he killed
her in his bedroom on August twenty third, and disposed
of her body by throwing it off the South River
bridge along Route fifty. Investigators have not officially confirmed the
exact circumstances of her death, and the autopsy is still pending.
(06:43):
Disturbing details about the suspect's background have emerged. He is
a Guatemalan national in the US illegally, according to Immigration
and Customs Enforcement. He had a previous DWI arrest that
occurred back in April two thousd twenty five. At the
time of Decara's murder, he was out on bail for
(07:05):
that offense, and ICE had not yet detained him following
his arrests. In this case, ICE did issue a detainer.
The questions that remain are Howdacara ended up in his
car that night, why she entered, and what exactly happened
inside his home. Hernandez Mendez has been denied bond and
(07:29):
remains behind bars. He faces first and second degree murder charges,
which could result in a life sentence if convicted. His
next court hearing is scheduled for October eighth, twenty twenty five.
For Decara's family, the arrest provides some measure of justice,
(07:50):
but of course it cannot bring back their beloved daughter, sister,
and granddaughter. Da Kara Thompson was only nineteen years old,
a young woman with her entire life ahead of her.
She had dreams, plans, and people who loved her deeply.
(08:11):
Her untimely passing is a stark reminder of how quickly
and how randomly violence can shatter lives. A simple trip
to the gas station became the beginning of a family's
worst nightmare. It's unknown how long the legal proceedings will take,
but one thing is clear. Decara did not deserve to
(08:34):
lose her life that night. Since the news of Diacara's death,
the case has sparked significant discussion online. People have speculated
about why she was out that night, her choices, and
what could have been done differently. But for her family,
these conversations can be especially painful. Her mother, Carmen Thompson,
(08:59):
said there's been a lot of people discouraging her character
on social media and things and such. Please don't believe
everything you see. Please don't believe everything you hear. Out
of respect for the family and us grieving, please approach
everything with grace. We would appreciate that. She said. At
(09:22):
the end of the day, Decara's life was valuable and
her death is never justified. A funeral service for de
Kara has been scheduled at Kettering Baptist Church on Crane Highway,
where her family, friends and community will celebrate her life
and continue to seek justice. My thoughts and prayers are
(09:45):
with the family and friends of Dakara Thompson as they
continue to grieve. Anyone with information about her case should
contact the Prince George's County Police Department or submit an
anonymous tip to Marilynd Crimes Stops. Their contact information can
be found in the description box below. As we close
(10:07):
out this episode, remember that sharing Decara's story helps spread
awareness and could lead to answers her family is seeking.
Don't forget to colleck the follow button to stay updated
on this case and others like it. Be sure to
subscribe to Hunting for Answers on YouTube and follow us
on Instagram. And TikTok for more true crime content in
(10:28):
case updates. Also, if you're watching us on YouTube, share
your thoughts on this case in the comments below. Thank
you so much for joining us on another episode. Until
next time. Hunting for Answers is a production of the
(11:02):
Black Effect Podcast Network. For more podcasts from the Black
Effect Podcast Network, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Hunting for Answers is a production of the Black Effect
Podcast Network and iHeartRadio. Welcome to Hunting for Answers, a
true crime podcast. I'm your host Hunter, and today we're
highlighting a case that happened in August twenty twenty five
and is still developing. A nineteen year old young woman
(00:22):
left her father's home in Atlanta, Maryland, telling him she
was going to put gas in her car. Surveillance captured
her at a local gas station, but she never made
it home. Nine days later, her body was discovered in
a remote area along Maryland Route fifty. The investigation has
(00:43):
sparked many questions, including about the man accused of taking
her life, a landscaper who police say killed her in
his home before dumping her body miles away. This is
the story of to Kara Thompson. Nakara Thompson was nineteen
(01:08):
years old with her whole life ahead of her. A
graduate of Saint Charles High School in Waldorf, she had
been living with her father and working at a nonprofit
as part of a service program for recent graduates. According
to Prince George's County executive Aisha brave Boy, she was
(01:29):
a young woman who dedicated part of her life to
serving others. Brave Boy said at a recent news conference.
This is a good, good, good young woman who wanted
to do good for her community, and now her community
will stand behind her family as we seek justice for her.
(01:50):
She was known for her vibrant spirit, close relationships with
her family, and a heart for helping others. On Thursday
August twenty second, in twenty twenty five, Dakia was staying
at her father's home in Lanam. It was a typical
summer evening when she texted her father that she was
(02:10):
going to get gas for her twenty thirteen Ford Edge.
It seemed like a simple trip, but that simple errand
would be the last time any of her loved ones
would see her. Alive. Surveillance cameras and Lanam showed to
Kara at a gas station and then in a parking
(02:32):
lot behind a family dollar in Langley Park around three
a m. On August twenty third. The footage shows her
approaching and sprinking briefly with the driver of a black suv,
then entering the front passenger seat. There is no indication
that she entered or interacted with the store itself. Investigators
(02:57):
later linked the suv to Hugo Herz Mendez, a thirty
five year old landscaper from Buie, Maryland. Her phone data
also placed her at his home between three forty seven
and five three a m. Before her device was deactivated.
(03:17):
Police have not confirmed whether to Kara and Hernandez Mendez
knew each other before that night. The circumstances that led
to her getting into his vehicle remain unclear. By Friday evening,
August twenty third, her father's worry had turned into fear,
and he reported her missing to local police just before
(03:39):
nine pm. The search for Decara began. Immediately, Police launched
an investigation, and her story spread across local news and
social media. Her family held on to hope, praying she
would walk through the door. The next day, August twenty fourth,
(04:01):
twenty twenty five, her car was found. Kara's white twenty
thirteen Ford Edge was discovered abandoned in Hyattsville, Maryland, miles
from where she was last seen. The vehicle provided a
crucial piece of the puzzle, but it also deepened the mystery.
(04:23):
Why was her car left there and what happened to Dakara.
For nine agonizing days, Takira's family and the community searched
for answers. Volunteers joined law enforcement and looking for any
trace of the missing teenager. Then, on Saturday, August thirty first,
(04:45):
twenty twenty five, the worst fears were realized. The Kira's
remains were discovered in a grassy area off Maryland Route
fifty in ann Arundel County. The location was remote. Her
body had been dumped more than thirty feet off the
South River Bridge. An autopsy revealed she had suffered skull
(05:10):
and facial fractures. The case was now formally being investigated
as a homicide. Police worked to piece together Dakara's final hours.
Evidence collected at the Buoy residence of Hugo Hernandez Mendez
included suspected bloodstains in his bedroom, a fake fingernail that
(05:34):
matched one missing from Dakara, hair from away consistent with
what she was last seen wearing, and possible blood in
the front passenger seat of his suv. A neighbor reported
seeing something burning in the backyard in the early morning
hours of August twenty third. While investigators are confident about
(05:57):
Hernandez Mendez's role in her death, they have not confirmed
how their paths initially crossed on Thursday, September five, twenty
twenty five, exactly two weeks after Dakara was reported missing,
Hugo Hernandez Mendez was arrested and formally charged with first
(06:18):
and second degree murder. Court documents alleged that he killed
her in his bedroom on August twenty third, and disposed
of her body by throwing it off the South River
bridge along Route fifty. Investigators have not officially confirmed the
exact circumstances of her death, and the autopsy is still pending.
(06:43):
Disturbing details about the suspect's background have emerged. He is
a Guatemalan national in the US illegally, according to Immigration
and Customs Enforcement. He had a previous DWI arrest that
occurred back in April two thousd twenty five. At the
time of Decara's murder, he was out on bail for
(07:05):
that offense, and ICE had not yet detained him following
his arrests. In this case, ICE did issue a detainer.
The questions that remain are Howdacara ended up in his
car that night, why she entered, and what exactly happened
inside his home. Hernandez Mendez has been denied bond and
(07:29):
remains behind bars. He faces first and second degree murder charges,
which could result in a life sentence if convicted. His
next court hearing is scheduled for October eighth, twenty twenty five.
For Decara's family, the arrest provides some measure of justice,
(07:50):
but of course it cannot bring back their beloved daughter, sister,
and granddaughter. Da Kara Thompson was only nineteen years old,
a young woman with her entire life ahead of her.
She had dreams, plans, and people who loved her deeply.
(08:11):
Her untimely passing is a stark reminder of how quickly
and how randomly violence can shatter lives. A simple trip
to the gas station became the beginning of a family's
worst nightmare. It's unknown how long the legal proceedings will take,
but one thing is clear. Decara did not deserve to
(08:34):
lose her life that night. Since the news of Diacara's death,
the case has sparked significant discussion online. People have speculated
about why she was out that night, her choices, and
what could have been done differently. But for her family,
these conversations can be especially painful. Her mother, Carmen Thompson,
(08:59):
said there's been a lot of people discouraging her character
on social media and things and such. Please don't believe
everything you see. Please don't believe everything you hear. Out
of respect for the family and us grieving, please approach
everything with grace. We would appreciate that. She said. At
(09:22):
the end of the day, Decara's life was valuable and
her death is never justified. A funeral service for de
Kara has been scheduled at Kettering Baptist Church on Crane Highway,
where her family, friends and community will celebrate her life
and continue to seek justice. My thoughts and prayers are
(09:45):
with the family and friends of Dakara Thompson as they
continue to grieve. Anyone with information about her case should
contact the Prince George's County Police Department or submit an
anonymous tip to Marilynd Crimes Stops. Their contact information can
be found in the description box below. As we close
(10:07):
out this episode, remember that sharing Decara's story helps spread
awareness and could lead to answers her family is seeking.
Don't forget to colleck the follow button to stay updated
on this case and others like it. Be sure to
subscribe to Hunting for Answers on YouTube and follow us
on Instagram. And TikTok for more true crime content in
(10:28):
case updates. Also, if you're watching us on YouTube, share
your thoughts on this case in the comments below. Thank
you so much for joining us on another episode. Until
next time. Hunting for Answers is a production of the
(11:02):
Black Effect Podcast Network. For more podcasts from the Black
Effect Podcast Network, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Host
Hunter Gilmore
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