Body Discovered in Search for Missing Texas Teen, Sheriff Says
Investigators say a medical examiner will confirm identity and determine the cause of death as the case remains under review.
San Antonio, Texas — December 30, 2025 – A body was found Tuesday afternoon during the ongoing search for 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos, a Texas teenager who disappeared on Christmas Eve, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said human remains were discovered in a field only a few hundred feet from Mendoza Olmos’ home in northwest San Antonio. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar told reporters that while the discovery is a major development, investigators are not yet able to confirm that the remains belong to the missing teen. The county medical examiner’s office is expected to conduct testing to confirm identity and determine the cause of death.
Investigators said the area where the body was located had been searched earlier, but thick grass and brush made it difficult to fully check every part of the field. Deputies returned with expanded resources and additional support and later found the remains at about 4:45 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
During the same search, authorities also recovered a firearm near where the body was located. The sheriff’s office said investigators are working to learn whether the gun is connected to the case. Officials have not publicly confirmed any direct link between the weapon and the missing teen, and they said all possibilities remain under review as the investigation continues.
What Investigators Know So Far
Mendoza Olmos was last seen early on the morning of December 24, shortly before 7 a.m. Authorities said video from a home security camera showed her standing near her vehicle in the driveway around the time she went missing. The car was still parked at the home afterward, and her phone was left behind, which quickly raised alarm for family members and investigators.
Family members reported her missing later that day after she did not return. Relatives and neighbors told investigators she sometimes took morning walks, but those close to her believed it was unusual for her to be gone without her phone or without communicating with anyone.
Because of the limited evidence and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, law enforcement said early searches explored multiple possibilities. Deputies and partner agencies worked leads, checked nearby areas, and asked the public to share any relevant information, including home surveillance video, dash camera footage, and sightings from the morning of December 24.
Sheriff: No Foul Play Suspected at This Time
At a briefing Tuesday, Sheriff Salazar said investigators do not currently suspect foul play. He noted that authorities have seen indicators that point away from a criminal attack, but emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that official conclusions will depend on the medical examiner’s findings and additional evidence.
Salazar said the sheriff’s office wants to provide answers as soon as possible, especially for the family and the community, but stressed that identification and autopsy results take time. Authorities said they will release more information once the remains are formally identified.
Law enforcement also continued to ask residents in the area to look back at any recordings from the morning the teen disappeared. Deputies said small details—such as a person walking, a vehicle passing by, or an unusual sound or event—can help investigators build a clearer timeline.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Efforts
Friends and relatives have shared messages online and spoke publicly during the search, describing Mendoza Olmos as a caring young woman and asking for help bringing her home safely. Volunteers and community members joined search efforts in the days after she vanished, walking trails and scanning areas where visibility is limited.
Officials said the discovery of a body is not the outcome anyone wanted, but they hope the next steps—confirming identity and determining what happened—will provide clarity. The sheriff’s office said it remains committed to thoroughly reviewing the facts and will continue following tips from the public.
What Happens Next
For now, the medical examiner’s work will be central to the case. Investigators are waiting for forensic testing to confirm the identity of the remains and for an autopsy report that may clarify the cause and manner of death. Officials said those results will guide what information can be shared publicly and what investigative steps come next.
Anyone with information about the case, including video from the area or possible sightings from the morning of December 24, is encouraged to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said tips can help confirm timelines, narrow search areas, and rule in or rule out key details that matter to the investigation.
