The week-long search for a missing Texas teenager has ended in tragedy after authorities confirmed her body was found near her family home.
Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, vanished on Christmas Eve after leaving her house in San Antonio for what was believed to be her usual morning walk. Her disappearance sparked an intensive search involving local law enforcement and the FBI.
On Wednesday, Bexar County officials confirmed that Camila had been found dead, with investigators ruling her death a suicide, BBC News reports.
Dashcam Footage Released During Search
In the days leading up to the discovery, authorities released dashcam footage that they believed could show Camila walking near her home on the morning she went missing.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said at the time that he could not confirm the identity of the person in the video, but noted the clothing “certainly does match up with what she was wearing” when she disappeared.
The footage became a key part of the investigation as officials continued to explore every possible scenario.
Authorities Explored Multiple Possibilities
Speaking at a news conference earlier in the search, Sheriff Salazar said investigators were keeping an open mind.
“We’ve got to consider all possibilities – from disappearing wilfully, to the possibility of self-harm, to somebody may have taken her,” he said, confirming the sheriff’s department was working alongside the FBI.
The concern deepened when it was revealed Camila had left her phone at home, something authorities described as unusual.
Body Found in Field Near Family Home
On Wednesday, Salazar confirmed that Camila’s body was discovered in a field of tall grass close to her home.
Officials said there were clear signs of self-harm and no evidence to suggest foul play. Salazar added that Camila had been “going through a tough time” in her life.
Investigators also noted that a firearm belonging to a relative had been reported missing during the search. A gun was later found near Camila’s body.
Parents Held Out Hope Until the End
Throughout the search, Camila’s parents spoke publicly about their hope that their daughter would return home safely.
“I miss her, come home,” her father, Alfonso Mendoza, told CBS Mornings, adding that he had been “praying to God” since she disappeared. “I might sound strong… but it hurts.”
Her mother also shared an emotional plea just days before Camila was found.
“We are hopeful every day,” she said in Spanish. “At times we are broken, but we are staying strong because my daughter is missing and we don’t know where she is.”
Last Known Movements Before She Vanished
Police previously released surveillance video recorded on the day Camila disappeared, showing a woman believed to be her searching through the back of her car for an unknown item.
Authorities believe she then left the area on foot, leaving her car behind. Her decision to leave without her phone raised immediate concern among investigators.
Following the discovery of Camila's body, those present stated that her mother appeared to be in shock after being told that remains had been found.
“So close to home,” she repeatedly said, according to Frank Trevino, who has been assisting with the search efforts.
“Her eyes were not there,” Trevino told the Daily Mail, describing Rosario’s reaction at the scene.