Body of 19-year-old woman who disappeared on Christmas Eve found in Texas

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Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar confirmed the body found Tuesday evening was Camila Mendoza Olmos.


TEGNA Digital, Meredith Haas, Andrea Carden, KENS 5 Staff


11:27 AM EST January 1, 2026


11:27 AM EST January 1, 2026

SAN ANGELO, Texas — EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

A body found in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday was confirmed to be Camila Mendoza Olmos, the 19-year-old woman who went missing Christmas Eve and prompted a massive search and nationwide interest. 

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar confirmed the identity Wednesday and said she died from suicide. 

Mendoza Olmos was reported missing from her San Antonio home by her mother on Christmas Eve.

A body was found Tuesday around 5 p.m. close to an area she was last seen, according to KENS 5. 

A family member’s gun also went missing, but it’s unclear if law enforcement recovered it when they found her body Tuesday. Investigators believe she took the gun with her Christmas Eve morning. 

The FBI assisted by examining her phone and iPad, which were left behind at her home, according to Salazar. 

“This was a young person going through a very tough time in their life and going through some emotional issues,” Salazar said. “There were some indicators of suicidal ideations as well.”

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Friends, family and community members came together to search for her for the last several days. Volunteers focused on an approximately 8-square-mile radius around her home, navigating challenging terrain and potentially dangerous conditions, including wildlife.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, New Burnin’ Bush LLC, the company that owns the property where Mendoza Olmos’ body was found, expressed concern and prayers for the family. The business announced it would close Dec. 31 out of respect for the investigation and those involved.

“Once the investigation has concluded, we will gladly welcome anyone who wishes to come onto the property to pay their respects,” the company wrote. “Please keep the family and loved ones in your prayers as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.”