The ex-boyfriend of murdered teen Marissa DiNapoli has been arrested whereas returning to the US from Mexico — as a brand new video exhibits she was at his residence the final time she was seen alive.
Martin Mendoza Jr., 20, was detained Sunday after being named an individual of curiosity within the homicide of his 18-year-old ex, whose physique was present in a park in Morgan Hill, KSBW studies.
DiNapoli had informed mates that Mendoza was “obsessed” along with her and so “crazy” he “would kill her,” one good friend has stated.
The final time the teenager was seen alive, June 29, she was at Mendoza’s residence in Morgan Hill, with Ring digital camera footage exhibiting them strolling down a staircase collectively, in response to footage obtained by KSBW.
The next day, Mendoza was seen leaving the home within the rich Bay Space city carrying a plastic bag, the video exhibits.
DiNapoli was reported lacking the identical day — and her physique discovered two days later close to Anderson Lake.
A significant manhunt was launched for her ex, involving greater than 30 investigators from 15 regulation enforcement companies.
Mendoza was lastly arrested Sunday as he tried to reenter the US by means of Calexico, California, KSBW reported. He didn’t give a press release to police, authorities stated.
No reason behind demise has been issued for DiNapoli, and the motive is unknown, police stated.
“Marissa was taken from us way too young,” stated Mario Ramirez of the Morgan Hill Police Division. “With this arrest, I think it helps the family be able to move forward.”
DiNapoli had expressed her considerations that Mendoza would hurt her, a good friend, Jaslyn Gutierrez, beforehand informed NBC Bay Space.
“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,” stated Gutierrez.
Mendoza was transported again to Santa Clara County on Monday and is due in court docket Tuesday afternoon.
He’s at the moment being held on no bail within the Santa Clara County Primary Jail, court docket data point out.
