Family of Camila Mendoza Olmos Speaks Out After Her Body Was Found in a Field. She Is ‘with the Good Lord,’ Says Relative

A relative of Camila Mendoza Olmos is expressing gratitude to the many people who helped search for the missing Texas teenager and is asking for prayers as the family mourns her death.

“In the name of the Olmos family, we want to give a humble and heartfelt thank you to all the news reporters, police detectives, FBI, churches, friends, family and many other communities for your support and prayers,” Nancy Olmos wrote in a Facebook post about Camila, who was 19.

Camila was reported missing after leaving her San Antonio home on Christmas Eve. Days later, she was found dead in a field near her residence. Authorities determined that she died by suicide. “Our beloved Camila Mendoza Olmos is now with the Good Lord,” Nancy wrote.

She also asked for privacy as the family grieves.

“We kindly ask that you please respect our pain and, most importantly, keep my cousin Rosario — Camila’s mom — and my nephew Carlos — Camila’s brother — in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” she added. “Thank you, and God bless you all.”

According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Camila was last seen leaving her home on Caspian Spring Road in San Antonio on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 24, just before 7 a.m. local time. Surveillance footage showed someone authorities believe was Camila searching her car before leaving the house on foot. She was thought to be carrying her car keys and possibly her driver’s license, but nothing else.

At the time, Rosario told police that her daughter often went for morning walks, but she became worried when Camila did not return that Christmas Eve.

In an interview with local outlet KENS, Rosario recalled that she and her daughter had been asleep when she felt Camila get out of bed. About 90 minutes later, she woke up and realized her daughter was gone.

Camila’s car was still parked at the house, and her phone had been left behind on the bed.

“I put it to charge and went out to look for her,” Rosario told the outlet. “I thought I would find her like other times, walking, and we would come home together.”

A multi-agency search followed, lasting several days, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar later said. On Tuesday, Dec. 30, investigators discovered a body in a field very close to the family’s home. Authorities confirmed the following day that the remains were those of Camila.

Officials said the 19-year-old died from a gunshot wound to the head.

“From what has been described to us, it sounds like it was a young person going through a very tough time in their life, going through some emotional issues,” Salazar said on Dec. 30. He added that although Camila had never been formally diagnosed, she showed some signs of depression.

Since the news of Camila’s death, messages of condolence and remembrance have poured in.

“She was so lovely. Such a joy to be around,” one woman wrote in response to Nancy’s post. “She was truly one of a kind and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. May Camila rest in peace.”