Body found in Morgan Hill identified as missing 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli
A body found Wednesday evening in Morgan Hill was confirmed to be that of Marissa DiNapoli, who had been missing since the weekend, authorities said.
The Morgan Hill Police Department said a drone operator reported finding the body at 7:30 p.m. and alerted the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. The body was found along Dunne Avenue near Anderson Lake, in an area that police said was scheduled to be searched in the hunt for the missing 18-year-old.
DiNapoli's family told police she last communicated with her family by text on Saturday night. When she did not return home or respond to calls from family members, she was reported missing, police said.
DiNapoli was last seen with Martin Mendoza, who has been named a person of interest in the case. The two were seen leaving a residence just outside Morgan Hill, and later, DiNapoli's car was found in the same area.
Police said Mendoza was not cooperative with the investigation and is considered a person of interest in DiNapoli's disappearance. He is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry bearing either license plate CW87W00 or 9PTM351.
A candlelight vigil and prayer service for DiNapoli was scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. at the Anderson Bridge. Attendees planned to camp at the site until Saturday morning.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at kyle.tolentino@morganhill.ca.gov or by calling 669-253-4962.
Tips can also be sent or by calling 800-222-TIPS.
