Body found in Morgan Hill in search area for missing 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli
A body was found by a drone operator Wednesday evening in an area that was to be searched for any sign of a missing 18-year-old woman, authorities said.
The Morgan Hill Police Department said the drone operator reported finding the body at 7:30 p.m., and a call was made to 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 to find Marissa DiNapoli, who was reported missing on Monday.
Police said the identity of the deceased person could not be immediately confirmed.
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
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.
