A bill was introduced in Prince George’s County honoring DaCara Thompson, using her name to bring attention to missing persons cases in the county.
The 19-year-old disappeared last August. Investigators say surveillance video appeared to show her willingly get into an SUV being driven by the suspect in the case. Investigators believe she was murdered at a home in Bowie, Maryland and was discovered more than a week later in a grassy field in Anne Arundel County.
Hugo Hernandez-Martinez is facing multiple charges including murder in the case. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he was living in the U.S. illegally. He is set for trial in September.
“It is now my life’s purpose to not let our daughter’s death be in vain,” said her mom, Carmen Thompson.
She joined family members, advocates and elected leaders in support of a bill called The DaCara Rose Law, which would make clear that there is no waiting period to report someone missing in Prince George’s County.
“Our amazing law enforcement has not had a wait time for filing missing persons but it’s clear throughout our community and advocacy work that not everyone in our community understands or feels that when they’re dealing with someone who is missing,” said Councilmember Wanika Fisher, the bill’s sponsor.
Fisher said there was not an issue in this case — it was reported and acted on — but she wanted to address the perception that you have to wait to report a loved one missing.
“We have to make sure every Black girl or woman in Prince George’s County matters, and there’s a sense of urgency and can be found as best we can,” she said.
The bill also directs the Department of Health to set up a campaign to bring attention to missing Black women and girls in the county.
“How can we assure this doesn’t happen again? How can we assure there’s advocacy and awareness?” said Council Chair Krystal Oriadha.
DaCara’s family and wider community were very active in bringing attention to her missing person’s case. They put up flyers, used social media and reached out to the news. Advocates say it takes a whole community to bring attention and awareness when someone disappears.
“You have to make people understand that Black and Brown people matter,” said Denika Robinson, DaCara Thompson’s cousin. “When we got that call, we hit the ground running. We put up flyers, we hit social media, we did everything for our loved one.”
“She started her young adult life with purpose, dedicating her time in service to others,” Carmen Thompson said. “We will continue to honor her commitment. She was our precious daughter, loved by many. Her light will continue to shine bright.”
County Sheriff John Carr was present at the news conference but not the county police chief, George Nader — News4 caught up with him after the news conference.
In regard to whether the department supports the legislation, he said they’re still looking at it and haven’t read it in its entirety yet.
The council chair says the bill will be fast tracked, and she’s hoping it’ll be acted on by March.
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