MORGAN HILL — A man has been arrested in connection with the death of 18-year-old Morgan Hill woman Marissa DiNapoli, who was found deceased Wednesday after being reported missing last week, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department.
Martin Mendoza was arrested on suspicion of murder while trying to cross from Mexico to the United States at the California-Mexico Border Crossing, authorities said.
Mendoza had previously been named as a person of interest in the case and was uncooperative with the investigation, authorities said.
“This arrest marks a significant step toward justice in a case that has devastated Marissa’s loved ones and shaken our entire community,” MHPD said. “While Mendoza’s arrest may bring a measure of relief, it does not ease the heartbreak we all continue to feel. Marissa was a radiant, compassionate young woman with a future full of promise. Her loss is profound, and our grief is shared.”
Marissa Dinapoli, 18, of Morgan Hill, was found dead on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, several days after she was reported missing. (Morgan Hill Police Department)DiNapoli was first reported missing June 30. Two days earlier, she had told her family she was spending the night with a friend but did not return home the next day. She was last seen with Mendoza around 9:45 a.m. June 29 as they left a house on Trail Drive just outside Morgan Hill.
“The loss of our beloved Marissa deeply saddens us, and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey,” DiNapoli’s family said in a statement shared by police. “We appreciate the love and support from those who have reached out to us.”
Authorities have not specified a possible cause of death for DiNapoli.
Related Articles
San Jose police involved in shooting; one person dead San Jose police seek suspect who struck officer while fleeing Bay Area youth violence prevention groups see younger crowds, social media concerns Only one of Bay Area’s three main downtowns has bounced back to nearly prepandemic levels An ex-SJPD cop charged with road rage got leniency because of his military service under a new law. Was that the intent?The investigation involved more than 30 investigators and the collaboration of 15 local and federal law enforcement agencies, authorities said. The agencies included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
MHPD is hosting three community healing events in honor of DiNapoli. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, support services will be available at Central High School for students and staff. At 6 p.m. Tuesday, there will be a Community Grief and Healing Circle at the El Toro Room in the Morgan Hill Community Cultural Center. At 6 p.m. Wednesday, there will be an Early Warning Signs of Domestic Violence awareness and education meeting at the Hiram Room at the Morgan Hill Community Cultural Center.
MHPD has asked anyone with further information on the case to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at 669-253-4962 or kyle.tolentino@morganhill.ca.gov.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Man arrested in connection with death of 18-year-old Morgan Hill woman )
Also on site :