Police seek missing Morgan Hill woman, person of interest
MORGAN HILL – South Bay authorities are searching for an 18-year-old Morgan Hill woman who vanished earlier this week, as well as person of interest in her disappearance.
Marissa Dinapoli was first reported missing Monday. On Saturday, she told family members she was planning to spend the night with a friend, but she did not return home the next day or respond to calls, the Morgan Hill Police Department said in a news release.
Dinapoli was last seen around 9:45 a.m. Sunday in the company of Martin Mendoza, according to police.
The pair was spotted leaving a home on Trail Drive, just outside the city limits of Morgan Hill. Dinapoli’s car, a black 2012 Ford Mustang convertible, was found in the same area.
Police said Mendoza was not cooperative with the police department’s initial investigation and is now considered a person of interest in Dinapoli’s disappearance.
Detectives are searching for Mendoza and asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately. He is believed to be driving a white Toyota Camry with a license plate of CW87W00 or 9PTM351.
“We also want to take this opportunity to address Marissa directly,” police said in the news release. “Marissa, if you are reading this press release, please contact the Morgan Hill Police Department at 408-779-2101.”
Dinapoli is described as Latina, 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
In a Facebook post Tuesday, a woman who identified herself as Dinapoli’s sister shared a 13-second video clip of Dinapoli and Mendoza leaving the Trail Drive residence. Mendoza can be heard asking Dinapoli, “Why would you text your ex?”
The sister said Mendoza returned alone in Dinapoli’s car and claimed he had not seen Dinapoli in two weeks.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact Detective Kyle Tolentino at kyle.tolentino@morganhill.ca.gov or 669-253-4962, or the anonymous tip line at 800-222-8477.
Check back for updates.