Authorities have confirmed that a body has been discovered in the search for Camila Mendoza Olmos, a 19-year-old Texas teenager who went missing on Christmas Eve. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office reported that Mendoza Olmos was last seen on Wednesday morning, prompting an urgent search by deputies and volunteers in the area.
Since her disappearance, the Bexar County Sheriff's deputies, along with community volunteers, have been conducting round-the-clock searches for Camila Mendoza Olmos. Sheriff Javier Salazar indicated there was credible information suggesting that she could be in imminent danger. On Tuesday afternoon, authorities made a significant discovery—a body was found in a field approximately 100 yards from Mendoza Olmos' home in northwest Bexar County.
During a press briefing, Sheriff Salazar stated, “At this point, we don’t suspect foul play.” However, the body has not yet been officially identified, and the local medical examiner has yet to determine the cause and manner of death. Sheriff Salazar emphasized the importance of expediting this process to provide answers for the community.
Authorities have noted potential indicators of self-harm in the case. A firearm was located at the scene where the body was found, and it is reported that a firearm belonging to a relative of Mendoza Olmos has been missing. Sheriff Salazar mentioned that investigators are trying to ascertain whether this missing firearm matches the one found at the scene.
One of the avenues investigators are exploring is the possibility that Camila Mendoza Olmos may have been struggling with mental health issues, including suicidal ideation and signs of undiagnosed depression. Sheriff Salazar described Mendoza Olmos as a young individual going through a particularly challenging phase in her life.
The body was discovered shortly before 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday in an area that had previously been searched. Due to the tall grass in the field, authorities felt it necessary to conduct another search. Notably, the clothing found on the body was similar to what Mendoza Olmos was believed to have been wearing at the time of her disappearance.
In an effort to gather more information, authorities released dashcam footage from a driver who recorded a woman walking alone on Wednesday morning. Sheriff Salazar noted that it remains unclear if the individual in the video is Camila Mendoza Olmos.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, it’s crucial to seek help. Free, confidential support is available 24/7. You can call or text the national lifeline at 988.