Bexar County Authorities Identify Body of Missing 19-Year-Old Camila Mendoza Olmos; Death Ruled Suicide

BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — Authorities in northwest Bexar County have confirmed that a body recovered during a multi-agency search belongs to 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, who had been reported missing on Christmas Eve. Officials say her death has been ruled a suicide.

The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office identified Mendoza Olmos on Wednesday, determining she died from a gunshot wound to the head. The confirmation comes nearly one week after she was last seen outside her family’s home in the 11000 block of Caspian Spring, prompting an extensive search effort involving local, state, and federal agencies.

Where the Body Was Found
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said investigators located Mendoza Olmos’ body in tall grass near the Burnin’ Bush landscaping company, a few hundred yards from her residence. The discovery was made shortly after search teams returned to a previously canvassed area.

According to the sheriff, a firearm was recovered near the body, and investigators are working to determine whether it is the same weapon previously reported missing by a family member.

“There was nothing at the scene to indicate foul play,” Salazar said, noting that authorities do not suspect any criminal involvement.

Search and Investigation
Mendoza Olmos was last seen at approximately 6:58 a.m. on Dec. 24, wearing a black North Face sweater with baby blue accents, baby blue shorts, and white shoes. Her phone, personal belongings, and vehicle were found at home, raising concern among family members and investigators.

A CLEAR Alert was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety on Dec. 26 and discontinued after the body was recovered.
The search effort included assistance from the FBI, which supported digital evidence review and video enhancement, as well as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which checked border crossings and outbound travel records.

Investigators believe Mendoza Olmos left her home on foot, following a route she commonly walked. A dashcam video reviewed by authorities showed a pedestrian matching her description walking alone near Wildhorse Parkway on the morning she disappeared.

Family Statement and Community Response
Family members confirmed they are preparing a celebration of life in her honor, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wildhorse Sports Park. A balloon release is planned for 6 p.m.

In a statement shared publicly, the family thanked the community for its support and asked for privacy as they grieve.
“Our beloved Camila is now at peace,” the statement read. “We are deeply grateful for the prayers, kindness, and compassion shown to our family.”

The landscaping business where the body was found announced a brief closure during the investigation and said it will later allow members of the public to visit the property to pay their respects.

Timeline: Disappearance and Investigation
• Dec. 24, 6:58 a.m. – Camila Mendoza Olmos last seen outside her family’s home
• Dec. 26 – Texas DPS issues CLEAR Alert
• Dec. 28–29 – Dashcam footage reviewed; FBI assists with digital evidence
• Dec. 30 – Search teams locate a body near Burnin’ Bush landscaping
• Dec. 31 – Medical Examiner confirms identity and rules death a suicide
• Jan. 3 – Celebration of life scheduled in northwest Bexar County

Video News Release from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office


Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, help is available:
• Call or text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Text TALK to 741-741 – Crisis Text Line
• NAMI San Antonio: 210-223-7233 or 800-316-9241
Support is confidential and available 24/7.