Body found in Anderson Reservoir ID'd as missing teen Marissa DiNapoli: Morgan Hill police
MORGAN HILL, Calif. (KGO) -- The body found near Anderson Lake Bridge has been identified as missing 18-year-old Marissa DiNapoli, the Santa Clara County Coroner's office confirmed Thursday. Police say DiNapoli was last seen Sunday morning but was reported missing on Monday.
The body was found Wednesday evening by a community search group flying a drone.
"(Marissa) had been out there for a while and based on the condition of the body, we were not able to identify her on scene," Morgan Hill Police Captain Mario Ramirez said.
DiNapoli's family issued a statement saying: ""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."
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"She was, is and always will have a special place in all of our hearts," Tara Guerrero said.
DiNapoli's former teacher, Tara Guererro, is still in shock over the entire situation.
"I couldn't believe it," Guerrero said. "Everybody says, 'I can't believe this happened so close to home.' Then when it does, it just blows your mind away."
Morgan Hill police say DiNapoli's boyfriend Martin Mendoza is considered a person of interest, after he was uncooperative with investigators.
He is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry with a license plate of either CW87W00 or 9PTM351.
Mendoza was last seen at a home along Trail Drive, which is located just at the base of the hill where DiNapoli's body was found by the Anderson Lake Bridge - roughly 10 minutes and 3 miles away.
DiNapoli's family says they saw the two arguing in a security video recorded at the home Sunday morning, where her car was also later located.
"We see her come out of the house and we see her leave with Martin," DiNapoli's sister Monice Ramirez said. "They were leaving the house together and Martin comes back with the car without Marissa."
DiNapoli's former teacher Tara Guerrero says DiNapoli was full of potential.
She says DiNapoli would take extra food from the school and deliver it to the homeless. She was described as someone who had a big heart.
"She was just such a kind, kind soul," Guererro said. "When she would walk into a room, her smile was just infectious. So, we're all pretty heartbroken right now."
The family will hold a candlelight vigil near Anderson Lake Bridge up along East Dunne Avenue at 6 p.m. Thursday.
There is expected to be a major turnout to honor a young woman who meant so much to so many in Morgan Hill and beyond.
Family and friends hold vigil for Marissa DiNapoli
"She was really ambitious you know, she was really caring," Marissa's sisters said.
The sisters of Marissa DiNapoli remember their baby sister as a kind soul.
Marissa's vigil was held near Anderson Lake, not far from where Marissa's body was found.
The SUV of DiNapoli's former teacher from Opportunity Youth Academy, Tara Guererro, was packed with candles, flowers and other supplies her students brought for Marissa's vigil.
"It's been pretty heartbreaking and pretty devastating," she said.
"You have a line of students next to you. Tell me about the support?" asked reporter Lauren Martinez.
"The support they show for not only me, but the support they show for each other is only something a teacher could dream of," Guererro said.
"And that's all that mattered, the community, and the love people had for this beautiful girl. And it doesn't matter if they knew her or not, how close they were, they still wanted to find her," said Marcus Booker, a friend of Marissa.
"Right now, I'm in shock, right now, my heart is strong but it's heavy."
The Starbucks Marissa worked out was closed on Thursday. Flowers and notes were left outside.
A question on many people's minds, where is Marissa's boyfriend, Martin Mendoza? Police say he is still a person of interest in her disappearance.
Morgan Hill Police Department Captain Mario Ramirez said police have not been able to speak with him, and are not releasing details if Mendoza is still in the area at this time.
