San Antonio — The body of 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who vanished from her northwest Bexar County home on Christmas Eve, has been officially identified, and authorities have ruled her death a suicide, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed.
Camila was reported missing early on Dec. 24, shortly before 7 a.m., after leaving her residence on Caspian Spring Drive for what family said was one of her regular morning walks. Surveillance footage captured someone believed to be her searching a car before she walked away on foot.
For nearly a week, local law enforcement, volunteers and federal agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, scoured the area around her home and nearby fields in northwest San Antonio. On Dec. 30, searchers returned to a tall grass field close to her residence and found human remains that were later confirmed to be Camila’s. A firearm was also recovered near the body.
The medical examiner determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and ruled the manner of death a suicide. Authorities stressed that there were no signs of foul play and that Camila had been at the location for several days prior to discovery.
Camila’s family shared a heartfelt message of gratitude for the overwhelming community support during the search. In a statement posted on social media, a relative wrote that Camila is “now with the Good Lord,” and asked for privacy and prayers for her mother Rosario and brother Carlos as they cope with their loss.
Neighbors and friends in the community expressed deep sorrow over the outcome. Many had helped with search efforts or prayed for her safe return. Sheriff Javier Salazar had earlier noted possible signs of emotional distress, including depression and thoughts of self-harm, though Camila had not been formally diagnosed.
Camila was a young college student with hopes and plans for her future. Her sudden loss has touched many in San Antonio and beyond. Authorities remind anyone struggling with thoughts of self-harm that help is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
