Man arrested in connection with death of 18-year-old Morgan Hill woman

MORGAN HILL A man has been arrested in connection with the death of -year-old Morgan Hill woman Marissa DiNapoli who was uncovered deceased Wednesday after being released missing last week according to the Morgan Hill Police Department Martin Mendoza was arrested on suspicion of murder while trying to cross from Mexico to the United States at the California-Mexico Perimeter Traveling officers noted Mendoza had previously been named as a person of interest in the scenario and was uncooperative with the analysis government disclosed This arrest marks a substantial step toward justice in a situation that has devastated Marissa s loved ones and shaken our entire society MHPD reported While Mendoza s arrest may bring a measure of relief it does not ease the heartbreak we all continue to feel Marissa was a radiant compassionate young woman with a future full of promise Her loss is profound and our grief is shared Marissa Dinapoli of Morgan Hill was revealed dead on Wednesday July several days after she was stated missing Morgan Hill Police Department DiNapoli was first announced missing June Two days earlier she had informed her family she was spending the night with a friend but did not return home the next day She was last seen with Mendoza around a m June as they left a house on Trail Drive just outside Morgan Hill The loss of our beloved Marissa deeply saddens us and at this time our family kindly asks for privacy as we grieve and address this complex journey DiNapoli s family revealed in a message shared by police We appreciate the love and endorsement from those who have reached out to us Officers have not specified a accomplishable cause of death for DiNapoli Related Articles San Jose police involved in shooting one person dead San Jose police seek suspect who struck officer while fleeing Bay Area youth violence prevention groups see younger crowds social media concerns Only one of Bay Area s three main downtowns has bounced back to nearly prepandemic levels An ex-SJPD cop charged with road rage got leniency because of his military institution under a new law Was that the intent The inspection involved more than investigators and the collaboration of local and federal law enforcement agencies functionaries announced The agencies included the Federal Bureau of Review Homeland Measure Investigations U S Customs and Boundary Protection and the Santa Clara County District Attorney s Office MHPD is hosting three society healing events in honor of DiNapoli From a m to p m Monday backing services will be available at Central High School for students and staff At p m Tuesday there will be a Region Grief and Healing Circle at the El Toro Room in the Morgan Hill Neighborhood Cultural Center At p m Wednesday there will be an Early Warning Signs of Domestic Violence awareness and teaching meeting at the Hiram Room at the Morgan Hill Region Cultural Center MHPD has inquired anyone with further information on the event to contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at - - or kyle tolentino morganhill ca gov