A body has been discovered during the search for a 19-year-old woman who vanished from her San Antonio, Texas home on Christmas Eve.
Discovery Made Near Family Home
Officers searching for Camila Mendoza Olmos found a body in a field described as "very close" to her San Antonio residence. The discovery was made one week after she was reported missing on 24 December. While formal identification is pending, the teenager's family has been informed of the development.
Police have stated that foul play is not currently suspected. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar indicated there are signs the death may be a result of self-harm. "From what has been described to us, it sounds like it was a young person going through a very tough time in their life, going through some emotional issues," Salazar told reporters.
Extensive Search and Public Appeal
Camila was last seen at around 7am on Christmas Eve. She was wearing a sky blue and black hoodie, pale blue pyjama bottoms, and white shoes. Dashcam footage released by police earlier this week showed a person matching her description walking along a path.
Authorities had considered her to be in "imminent danger" due to concerning circumstances, including a recent mutual breakup. The search involved multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Investigators explored possibilities ranging from kidnapping and human trafficking to the chance she had left of her own volition.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The medical examiner will now work to confirm the identity of the body and determine the official cause and manner of death. Sheriff Salazar emphasised the thoroughness of the investigation, noting searches had been concentrated within a couple of square miles but that they had not ruled out the case extending beyond US borders.
Camila's family and loved ones have been cooperating fully with the investigation throughout the ordeal. The community's assistance was sought via public appeals as authorities worked to locate the missing teen.
