UPDATE: Authorities have discovered a body “very close” to the home of 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who has been missing since Christmas Eve in San Antonio, Texas. The grim discovery was made shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, sparking a wave of concern and sorrow among the community.
The body was located in an area with tall grass, previously searched by law enforcement, including the FBI. According to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, the clothing of the deceased closely matched the outfit Olmos was wearing when she vanished. “This is certainly not the outcome we were hoping for,” Salazar stated during a press conference.
The body was found approximately 100 yards from Olmos’ home in northwest Bexar County. As of Tuesday evening, authorities had not officially identified the body, nor had they determined a cause of death. Sheriff Salazar indicated that there were no immediate suspicions of foul play.
Earlier in the day, investigators released a dash cam video showing a person believed to be Olmos walking along the side of a road. The footage, recorded in low light, depicted a figure dressed similarly to Olmos’ last known attire: a baby-blue and black hoodie, baby-blue pajama bottoms, and white shoes.
Authorities have been piecing together Olmos’ last movements. It was reported that she left her home on foot, taking only her car keys and possibly her driver’s license. A neighbor’s doorbell camera captured footage of a person, presumed to be Olmos, searching her vehicle for an unknown item shortly before her disappearance.
Sheriff Salazar also revealed that investigators have noted “indications of suicidal ideations” from Olmos in the past. However, he clarified that these mental health issues have not been confirmed as related to her disappearance. “What young person doesn’t have bouts of depression at a certain point?” he asked, emphasizing the need to explore all possibilities, including self-harm or abduction.
Community members and search teams had been tirelessly searching for Olmos since her disappearance, hoping for her safe return. The discovery of the body has left many in shock and mourning, underscoring the urgent need for mental health awareness and support for young individuals.
Officials are now focused on identifying the body and determining the cause of death. As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, seeking answers in this tragic case.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
