18-Year-Old California Teen Found Dead — Boyfriend Sought by Police

Authorities are now searching for 21-year-old Martin Mendoza, identified as a “person of interest” in the death of 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli. Her body was discovered on July 2 near Anderson Lake County Park in Santa Clara County, just a few miles from the last known location she was seen alive.

Marissa had been reported missing on June 29, after her family lost contact with her following a text on June 28 stating she’d be staying with a friend. Surveillance footage from June 29 shows Marissa leaving a residence with Mendoza. Later, Mendoza returned alone, and her car was found parked there.

The body was initially unidentifiable due to advanced decomposition, but the Santa Clara County Coroner confirmed it was Marissa on July 3. Friends have expressed concerns over Mendoza’s behavior, noting Marissa had confided that she feared him and believed he might harm her.

Mendoza has not cooperated with the investigation and remains at large. He is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry with license plates CW87W00 or 9PTM351. Marissa’s family issued a heartfelt plea for privacy as they grieve. The police are urging anyone with tips or sightings of Mendoza to come forward to aid the investigation.