The family of Camila Mendoza Olmos, whose body was discovered just a short distance from her home, shared a deeply moving message on social media, stating that she is now “with the good Lord.”
In their post, they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from reporters, detectives, the FBI, their church, friends, family, and the community during the intense search for the 19-year-old.
“Our beloved Camila Mendoza Olmos is now with the Good Lord,” they wrote.
They asked for understanding as they grieve, specifically mentioning prayers for Rosario, Camila’s mother, and her brother Carlos during this challenging time.
Camila’s body was found on Tuesday near her home outside San Antonio, Texas, alongside a handgun. The coroner’s report indicated that she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities suspect she had been deceased for about five to six days by the time she was located.
Investigators noted that a 9mm handgun, which belonged to a family member at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing; however, it remains uncertain if it was the same firearm found at the scene.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar mentioned that Camila may have been exhibiting signs of depression and suicidal ideation, particularly in light of challenges related to her education, employment, and a recent breakup.
“She was a young woman navigating through a really tough period in her life,” Salazar remarked.
Camila, a student at Northwest Vista University with the aspiration to become an orthodontist, was last seen on Christmas Eve around 7 a.m., rummaging through her car. She went missing with her car keys and driver’s license, but her phone was left behind on her bed.
Her disappearance led to a widespread search, involving her ex-boyfriend Nathan Gonzalez, who remembered her as an incredibly “loving person” in an interview.
Police explored various scenarios, including the possibility of human trafficking, even warning that she might be in “imminent danger,” yet the search didn’t yield any immediate leads.
There were concerns that Camila, who held dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship, might have crossed into Mexico or been abducted, which led to the involvement of the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.
A combined effort from Bexar County sheriff’s deputies and FBI agents found her body next to the handgun on Tuesday around 4:45 p.m. Reports indicated that the search team had previously scanned the area but returned due to dense vegetation.
If you’re in New York City and facing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, you can contact 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential support. For those outside the city, the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 is available or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
