Search intensified for missing Maryland teen Dacara Thompson

Update: Dacara Thompson was found deceased, and a man has been charged with murder in connection to her death.

Maryland police have launched a search for a missing teen who disappeared two weeks ago.

Tracing Dacara Thompson’s last steps

Dacara Thompson, 19, vanished on the night of August 22 after leaving her father’s home in Lanham, Maryland, to get gas for her car.

Her father Daniel Thompson told WUSA 9 she texted him around 11:50 p.m. saying, “I got gas & I’m out. I should be back soon. I love you too. Goodnight <3.

But she never returned.

Authorities later found her white 2013 Ford Edge abandoned in Hyattsville, parked in front of a fire hydrant near the Chillum-Adelphi Volunteer Fire Station.   Inside the vehicle, investigators found her purse, cash, and debit cards. However, her phone and key fob were missing.

Surveillance footage captured a figure believed to be Thompson walking toward Riggs Road around 1:30 a.m. on August 23. Her last known location, according to the Find My Phone app, was near Jasmine Terrace and Riggs Road. Notably, someone disabled her phone shortly after she disappeared.

Search efforts

In response, Carmen and Daniel Thompson have expanded their search efforts. On Monday, the family searched a wooded area near the old Adelphi Mill, just half a mile from where they found the car. Carmen discovered a chained metal trap door and peered inside, hoping for clues. “I’m exhausting any resource, anything I can think of,” she told reporters.

Despite hours of searching along the stream bed, the family found no new evidence. Still, they remain hopeful. “I’m scared but still hopeful,” said Daniel Thompson.

Prince George’s County Police are actively investigating the case but have asked the family not to share certain details publicly to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Dacara Thompson’s description

Thompson was last seen wearing a dark-colored jacket and denim jeans. She has tattoos on her left arm and the right side of her body. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Prince George’s County Police Department at (301) 772-8970.

GoFundMe campaign created

As the days pass, the Thompson family continues to plead for public support. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid in search efforts and raise awareness.

To learn more or support, please visit the GoFundMe campaign.