Authorities have confirmed that the body discovered during the search for missing San Antonio teenager Camila Mendoza Olmos is hers, and that her death has been ruled a suicide.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the body Wednesday as 19-year-old Olmos and determined the cause of death to be a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office
Olmos had been missing since December 24, when she was last seen leaving her family’s home in the 11000 block of Caspian Spring in northwest Bexar County.
Body Found Near Home After Search Area Rechecked
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the body was discovered Tuesday afternoon when investigators returned to an area that had already been searched earlier in the operation.
A joint team of sheriff’s deputies and FBI agents located the body in tall grass on the Burnin’ Bush landscaping property, several hundred yards from Olmos’ residence. Salazar said the body was found approximately 10 minutes after the renewed search began.
At the time of discovery, authorities said it was too early to confirm identity or cause of death. Confirmation came after examination by the medical examiner.
Firearm Recovered At Scene
According to Salazar, a firearm was recovered near the body. Investigators had previously been searching for a gun reported missing by a family member prior to Olmos’ disappearance.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the weapon recovered at the scene is the same firearm reported missing.
Salazar said investigators did not observe signs of foul play at the scene, but emphasized that the area was processed thoroughly before conclusions were reached.
Multi-Agency Search Effort
The search for Olmos involved multiple agencies, including the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, which Salazar said deployed significant personnel to assist local deputies.
The discovery followed several days of searching after Olmos was reported missing on Christmas Eve.
Business Temporarily Closes Following Discovery
Burnin’ Bush, the northwest Bexar County landscaping company where the body was found, announced a brief closure during the investigation.
In a public statement, the company said the closure was “out of respect for those involved and for the integrity of the ongoing investigation.” The business added that once authorities conclude their work, it would allow members of the public to visit the property to pay their respects.
Community Reminder
Authorities urged families and community members to remain attentive to signs of emotional distress among loved ones.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, help is available through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
