Rosario Olmos faced a heartbreaking Christmas without her daughter. Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, was reported missing the day before in the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas.
Search Continues for Missing Texas Woman
As the New Year approaches, the search for Mendoza Olmos continues, aided by dozens of volunteers over the weekend. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has stated that she may be in imminent danger.
Mendoza Olmos was last seen on a neighbor’s surveillance camera shortly before 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve, outside her home. The recording ends after she is seen looking inside her vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office, and there is no clear indication of where she went.
She was wearing a sweater and pajama shorts in the video. Family and investigators report they are unsure why she was looking into the car. Because the vehicle was left behind, authorities believe she left the neighborhood on foot.
The circumstances surrounding Mendoza Olmos’ disappearance are unclear. She appeared to have her car keys with her when she vanished, but did not take the vehicle.
The disappearance of Mendoza Olmos triggered a CLEAR Alert. In Texas, this requires investigators to believe the missing person “is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death,” or that the disappearance is “involuntary, such as an abduction or kidnapping,” according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
“We consider imminent danger to encompass any possibility, from self-harm to Camila being abducted, and all those possibilities currently exist,” stated Salazar, noting that the missing woman had previously discussed suicidal thoughts. “We can’t rule anything out at this point in the investigation.”
“Cami isn’t like that,” Olmos asserted. “Cami is very careful.”
Investigators are receiving assistance from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, gathering information such as flight manifests and border crossings. As news of Mendoza Olmos’ disappearance spread, the community-led search intensified.
“We’ve been out day and night, scraping our legs, not eating, just helping,” Estrella told WOAI.
With local investigators working tirelessly to locate Camila, her mother is asking for prayers for a positive resolution to the holidays, according to Salazar.
“Please bring her back, or if my daughter is watching, come back. That’s what we ask,” Olmos said to KWEX.
“She has a family that loves her,” Olmos added. “She has a life to live.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the last time Camila Mendoza Olmos was seen?
Camila Mendoza Olmos was last seen on a neighbor’s surveillance camera shortly before 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve, outside her home.
What is a CLEAR Alert?
A CLEAR Alert in Texas is issued when investigators believe a missing person is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, or that the disappearance is involuntary, such as an abduction.
Are federal agencies involved in the search?
Yes, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are assisting local investigators with information gathering, including tracking flights and border crossings.
What are your thoughts on the challenges facing investigators in this case?
