Authorities in Texas have located a body during the search for missing teen Camila Mendoza Olmos, who disappeared on Christmas Eve.
The 19-year-old was last seen on the morning of December 24, as stated by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office in Texas.
Sheriff Javier Salazar of Bexar County revealed that a search team discovered a body in a nearby field on Tuesday afternoon.
While foul play is not suspected, a firearm was found close to the body.
At present, the identity of the deceased remains unverified. Salazar mentioned it is premature to conclude if the body is that of Camila.
He also noted that authorities were looking for a missing firearm that belonged to a family member of hers.
The medical examiner is tasked with identifying the body and determining the cause of death.
This update arrives a day after Sheriff Salazar held a press conference discussing the investigation, where it was revealed that Olmos might have been experiencing mental health issues, such as depression, and had previously contemplated suicide.
Despite these findings, Salazar emphasized that all investigative avenues, including potential abduction, were still open.
Camila Mendoza Olmos, aged 19, was last noted leaving her residence in Caspian Spring, San Antonio, shortly before 7 am on December 24.
Authorities reported she was dressed in baby blue pajama bottoms, a baby blue and black hoodie, and white shoes at the time she left her home.
Her disappearance occurred a day after she had allegedly planned to shop for dresses with her friend Camila Estrella.
Footage obtained by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), believed to feature Olmos, showed the teen standing near her car in the early hours of Christmas Eve.
Several agencies, including the FBI, participated in the search for Olmos. Homeland Security also confirmed she was neither detained nor involved in immigration enforcement activities.
“That was a personal concern. So, I had it checked to make sure that there were no stops, no detentions, and that she’s not somewhere in a federal detention facility. That is something we needed to check,” Salazar explained.
In the aftermath of Olmos’ disappearance, BCSO released a statement: “Camila’s mother stated that Camila normally goes for a morning walk; however, she became concerned when Camila did not return within a reasonable period of time.
“Video footage from that time shows an unknown individual, believed to be Camila, searching inside her vehicle for an unidentified item. Moments later, the footage ends. It is believed that she left the residence on foot, as her vehicle remained at the location.
“The only items known to be on her person are her car key and possibly her driver’s license.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.