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Murder Charges Filed in Maryland Teen's Tragic Death

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Hugo Rene Hernandez-Mendez, 35, faces murder charges for the death of 19-year-old Da’Cara Thompson in Maryland.
He had an outstanding ICE detainer and a prior DUI arrest in May 2022.
Prosecutors claim he killed Thompson after taking her home and disposed of her body from a bridge.
Thompson was reported missing on August 22; her body was discovered over a week later.
Hernandez-Mendez remains in custody without bail, with a court date on October 8.

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Story summary

Hugo Rene Hernandez-Mendez, 35, faces murder charges for the death of 19-year-old Da’Cara Thompson in Maryland.
He had an outstanding ICE detainer and a prior DUI arrest in May 2022.
Prosecutors claim he killed Thompson after taking her home and disposed of her body from a bridge.
Thompson was reported missing on August 22; her body was discovered over a week later.
Hernandez-Mendez remains in custody without bail, with a court date on October 8.