ANNAPOLIS, MD – Authorities have announced the arrest of a man from Bowie, Maryland, in connection to the death of 19-year-old Takara Thompson from Prince George’s County. Thompson, reported missing on August 23, was later found deceased in Anne Arundel County.
The case, initially classified as a missing person investigation, has now been escalated to a homicide investigation. Police identified the suspect as 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez Mendez. He has been charged with Thompson’s murder.
Investigators revealed that surveillance footage captured Thompson entering Hernandez Mendez’s vehicle on the night she vanished. Her car was found in Hyattsville. It’s believed that Hernandez Mendez drove her to his residence on Cambridge Drive in Bowie, where the crime allegedly occurred.
Authorities have disclosed that Hernandez Mendez, who is in the U.S. illegally, had an ICE detainer issued against him. He was previously arrested in April by U.S. Park Police for DUI but was released afterward. Questions regarding the April arrest have been directed to the Department of Justice.
Takara Thompson was last seen leaving her father’s home in Lanham on August 22. Her body was discovered a week later near Route 50 in Annapolis, a detail that deeply shook the local community.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy spoke about Thompson’s dedication to community service, highlighting her work with a nonprofit in Prince George’s County. Braveboy emphasized the impact Thompson had on those around her, noting her commitment to helping others.
The community is rallying behind Thompson’s family, determined to seek justice for the young woman who had already made a positive mark on her surroundings.
As the investigation continues, Hernandez Mendez is expected to face a bail hearing soon. Authorities remain actively involved in the case, working to uncover more details about the tragic incident.