BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A tragic development occurred in the search for missing 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos. On Tuesday, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar announced that a body was found during the ongoing investigation. While it is too early to confirm the identity, the authorities are actively working to determine if the body belongs to Mendoza Olmos, who was last seen on the morning of December 24 outside her family home located in the 11000 block of Caspian Spring in northwest Bexar County.
At approximately 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, a specialized team composed of members from the FBI and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office returned to a previously searched area where they discovered the body hidden in tall grass. This search took place at the Burning Brush landscaping company, just a few hundred yards from Mendoza Olmos' residence. Remarkably, the body was located just ten minutes into the search, bringing a sense of urgency to the ongoing investigation.
During the search, investigators also found a firearm near the body. Sheriff Salazar indicated that they were looking for a family member’s missing firearm, but it remains unclear whether the recovered weapon is the same one reported missing. While there are no current suspicions of foul play, investigators are considering the possibility of self-harm as a factor in this case.
Furthermore, the clothing on the body matched descriptions of the attire that Camila Mendoza Olmos was wearing when she went missing, adding to the urgency of the investigation. Sheriff Salazar emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, stating, “Don’t take anything for granted ... sometimes when everything seems to be OK ... they are coming to peace with the fact they are ending their life. ... Reach out and get help.”
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office will be responsible for confirming the identity of the body, along with determining the cause and manner of death. As this is a developing story, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or experiencing thoughts of suicide, it is crucial to seek help. You can call 988 or text TALK to 741-741 to speak with a trained professional who can provide support and guidance.