Authorities searching for Camila Mendoza Olmos, the 19-year-old Texas college student who vanished on Christmas Eve, announced Tuesday night that a body and a firearm were found in a field near her home—marking a devastating turn in the days-long search.
According to NBC News, the discovery was made in a field roughly 100 yards from Camila’s residence in northwest Bexar County.
Sheriff Javier Salazar told reporters that it has not yet been confirmed whether the body is Camila. The medical examiner is still working to determine both the identity of the person and the official cause and manner of death.
“At this point, it isn’t clear whether the person is Camila Mendoza Olmos,” Salazar said during a press briefing.
He added that authorities do not currently suspect foul play and believe the death may be the result of self-harm, though final conclusions are pending. “We hope that we can try to expedite that process to be able to get the community answers that everybody’s been waiting for,” Salazar said.
Officials noted that the area where the body was found had been searched previously. However, tall brush and dense terrain prompted investigators—along with federal partners—to conduct another sweep of the field. Salazar said the renewed effort included assistance from a large number of FBI agents, describing it as a “small army” helping to re-examine the area.
Following the discovery, Texas officials discontinued the CLEAR Alert that had been issued for Camila earlier in the search.
The news comes after several developments that had intensified concern for Camila’s safety. She was last seen around 6:58 a.m. on December 24 leaving her family’s home in the 11000 block of Caspian Spring.
Initial surveillance footage showed her near her vehicle, appearing to search through it before leaving on foot. Her car remained at home, and investigators believed she left with only her keys and possibly her driver’s license. Her phone was later found inside the house with no battery.
Additional video released by authorities appeared to show Camila walking alone along Wildhorse Parkway shortly after leaving her driveway. Sheriff Salazar previously warned that investigators believed Camila was in “imminent danger” and said they were exploring multiple possibilities, including self-harm.
Camila, a student at Northwest Vista Community College, had been reported missing by her mother after failing to return home that morning. The search drew widespread attention across Texas as family members, friends, and community members waited for answers.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as they await confirmation from the medical examiner. Anyone with additional information related to Camila Mendoza Olmos is encouraged to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.