SAN ANTONIO, January 1 (TNF): The search for a missing Texas teenager ended in tragedy after authorities confirmed that remains found in San Antonio belong to 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who disappeared on Christmas Eve.
Camila was last seen leaving her home early in the morning for her regular walk. When she did not return, her family reported her missing, prompting an intensive search that continued for a full week.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said investigators recovered her body from a field of tall grass on Wednesday. Authorities later ruled her death a suicide and said there were no signs of foul play.
The discovery followed the release of dashcam footage by police earlier in the week. Investigators said the video may show Camila walking near her home on the day she vanished. Salazar told reporters he could not say with certainty that the person in the footage was her, but said the clothing matched what she was known to be wearing.
During the investigation, law enforcement considered multiple possibilities. Officials examined whether she had left voluntarily, faced self-harm, or may have been taken by someone. The sheriff’s department worked alongside the FBI as part of the inquiry.
Salazar said investigators found a firearm near Camila’s body. Authorities had earlier been searching for a relative’s gun that was reported missing around the time she disappeared. The sheriff said evidence at the scene pointed to self-inflicted harm.
He also said Camila had been going through a difficult period in her life. Officials stressed that nothing at the scene suggested the involvement of another person.
Before the recovery of her body, Camila’s parents had spoken publicly about their pain and hope for her safe return.
“I miss her, come home,” her father, Alfonso Mendoza, told CBS Mornings. He said he had been praying continuously since she disappeared. “I might sound strong, but it hurts,” he said.
Her mother also shared her anguish in an interview with CBS, the BBC’s US media partner. Speaking in Spanish, she said the family tried to remain hopeful each day despite feeling broken at times. She said they stayed strong because they did not know where their daughter was.
Earlier, police released video believed to show Camila near her car on the day she disappeared. The footage appeared to show a woman searching through the back of the vehicle for an unknown item. Investigators believed she then walked away, leaving the car behind.
Authorities said Camila did not have her phone with her, which raised concern because it was unusual for her to leave without it.
Officials expressed condolences to the family and urged anyone experiencing emotional distress to seek help and support.
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