Missing 18-Year-Old Marissa DiNapoli Found Dead After She Was Last Seen with Ex-Boyfriend: Report

Authorities have confirmed the death of 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli, whose body was discovered earlier this week in a remote area near Morgan Hill, in Santa Clara County, California.

The man she was last seen with has been named a person of interest as investigators work to determine what led to her disappearance and death.

On July 3, the Santa Clara County Coroner identified remains found as DiNapoli, according to the Morgan Hill Police Department. Her body had been discovered the day before by a relative using a drone to aid the family's search efforts.

Her remains were found under a bridge in dense brush at the Woodchoppers Flat Picnic Area at Anderson Lake, according to KSBW News Action 8.

In the days leading up to the discovery, DiNapoli's disappearance prompted a growing community search effort. She had last contacted her family on the night of June 28, saying she planned to stay with a friend and would return the following day.

When she didn't come home or respond to messages, her family reported her missing on June 30. Police later determined she was last seen the morning of June 29, around 9:45 a.m., leaving a residence on Trail Drive just outside Morgan Hill with her reported ex-boyfriend, 21-year-old Martin Mendoza.

Surveillance footage from that home — later shared publicly by DiNapoli's older sister, Moniice — shows the two walking down a staircase, talking to each other, and heading toward the front door.

"Right before he came back and parked the car BY HIMSELF !!!!!!!!‼️‼️‼️!!!!!!!!!!!‼️‼️[sic]," DiNapoli's sister captioned the video on Instagram. The video is timestamped June 29 at 9:45:27 a.m. As they approach the door, Mendoza can be heard asking DiNapoli, "Why would you text your ex?"

In an earlier post on July 1, DiNapoli's sister shared a video of her smiling and spending time with family, along with a heartfelt prayer: "Marissa DiNapoli. My beautiful baby sister. We're gonna find you... Take care of our baby. Thank you God 🙏 let day 2 of searches begin . We'll be at uvas most of the day today [sic]."

Before DiNapoli disappeared, her best friend, a teacher, and a family friend expressed concern for her well-being and shared thoughts about her character.

Jaslyn Gutierrez, DiNapoli's best friend since freshman year, revealed to NBC Bay Area that the 18-year-old had expressed fear of Mendoza. "Marissa has told me, firsthand in the car with my friends outside of my house, that he would kill her, that he would not stop, that he's obsessed with her, that he's crazy and that he's willing to go to that extent," Gutierrez recalled.

She said they had graduated from Opportunity Youth Academy in Santa Clara County three weeks earlier and described their friendship as exceptionally close, noting they were "the goofiest people."

Tara Guerrero, a teacher at the same school, described her as a warm, generous student who had recently enrolled at Gavilan College. "Every student in my class touches my heart, but her especially. She had the brightest smile that would light up every room," she said.

The teacher added that she left a lasting impression and was like one of her own children. She also remembered her kindness beyond the classroom, noting that she often brought food to unhoused people in her neighborhood.

Family friend Serina Soque also said that during the search, loved ones contacted Mendoza, who initially denied being himself and claimed he hadn't spoken to DiNapoli in two weeks. "But there's positive video of him being there on the 29th with her and leaving with her," Soque said.

Friends also noted that Anderson Lake — where DiNapoli's body was found — was a place Mendoza had taken her before. A resident of the Trail Drive home confirmed that Mendoza had been renting a room there and was seen taking DiNapoli into the house and later leaving with her.

Morgan Hill police said Mendoza has not cooperated with the investigation. He may be driving a white Toyota Camry with California license plates CW87W00 or 9PTM351.

"We also want to note that while Martin Mendoza is still considered a person of interest in this case, we are actively seeking out other leads as well. Should anyone have any information, please contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at (669)-253-4962," the police stated in a social media post.

Over 30 investigators from local, state, and federal agencies — including the FBI, Homeland Security, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney's Office — are involved in the case.

Additionally, Morgan Hill police described DiNapoli as a "vibrant member" of the community with a bright future and said they remain committed to seeking justice.

DiNapoli's family also released a statement through police, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Marissa, and at this time, our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and navigate this difficult journey."

The family expressed gratitude for the public's support and asked that no fundraising pages be created in the late 18-year-old's name. Instead, they encouraged people to honor her memory through prayers, kind messages, and shared memories. They also requested privacy as they grieve.

As DiNapoli's loved ones continue to process their loss, a similar tragedy had unfolded in Mississippi just two months earlier.

Authorities have confirmed the death of 38-year-old Joyce Gomez, who was reported missing on Friday, April 25. Her body was found on Sunday, April 27, near W Wittman Road by the Harrison County Sheriff's Office.

The discovery followed an urgent search led by the Pass Christian Police Department, which began investigating after Gomez failed to return home. Gomez was last seen late Friday night around 10:52 p.m. in the 100 block of Main Street in downtown Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

Hours earlier, she had been working at The Whiskey Bar in downtown Pass Christian. According to her coworker Chris Langer, she finished her shift and was seen getting into a truck with a man later identified as her ex-boyfriend, Brett Huntley Keel.

"I worked with Joyce Friday night at The Whiskey Bar in the Pass. She clocked out and then shortly thereafter left the bar with a patron we know," Langer wrote in a Facebook post dated April 27.

"It seems they went to the Bay afterwards, but she did not return home. If you saw her after 10:52 pm please let the police know. She has two little kids that are missing their mom and have no idea what is going on," he concluded.

Police confirmed that Keel and Gomez had previously been in a relationship. After she failed to come home to her two children and elderly father, friends and coworkers grew concerned.

During a video interview with WLOX News, Langer stated, "I kind of had a feeling that she was gone. Typically, a mother of two doesn't just up and disappear — doesn't decide to leave on their own volition. Yes, it does happen occasionally, but usually something else has happened. If she didn’t go home with her dad there and her two kids, then it was not her choice."

The Pass Christian Police Department formally announced Gomez's disappearance on Saturday, April 26, and began coordinating efforts with the Harrison County Sheriff's Department.

That same day, two photos of Gomez were shared with the public. In one image, she was smiling with her long, dark hair tied in a high ponytail. In the second, she was seen wearing a white top, her hair loose, with a lighthearted star filter across her face.

At approximately 11:25 a.m. on April 27, officers found Gomez deceased near W Wittman Road. Police stated that the investigation had led them to suspect foul play, and evidence eventually revealed the location of her body.

The Harrison County Sheriff's Office and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety assisted with the operation. Law enforcement stressed that this remains an active and ongoing investigation.

On Monday, April 28, the Pass Christian Police Department arrested 38-year-old Keel in connection with Gomez's death. He was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.

Harrison County Justice Court Judge Diane Ladner set his bond at $1,500,000. According to a report from WLBT 3 On Your Side, the coroner said her cause of death was not immediately apparent, but that it did not appear she ended up at the scene on her own.

Law enforcement continues to ask for help from the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Ryan Henry at (228) 363-6038 or the Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.

The Pass Christian Police Department offered condolences to the family and thanked all involved agencies for their assistance. Chief of Police Daren Freeman also requested that people continue praying for those affected.

Tributes for Gomez have poured in online. Desiree Sprunger shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, "She will always be remembered for her beautiful personality and heart! Her infectious smile and the way she treated others, the love she showed was like very few nowadays. We lost a good one. My heart breaks for her family.. especially her son, age 8, and daughter, age 6. Please say a prayer of peace for all of her family and friends."

Gomez's death deeply affected her community, and authorities remained focused on bringing justice and closure to her loved ones.