Small Maryland county freaked out as 3 women, including Dacara Thompson, vanish within 2 weeks

Residents are on edge after three women were reported missing from Maryland’s Prince George’s County in a span of about two weeks, prompting overlapping searches and urgent appeals from police and families.

While one woman has been found safe, two cases remain open, including an investigation in which authorities say a body with “similar characteristics” to the missing person was discovered in neighboring Anne Arundel County.

The Dacara Thompson case

Dacara Thompson, 19, disappeared after leaving her home in Lanham, Maryland, on August 22, telling her father she was going to get gas and later texting, “I should be back soon. I love you too. Goodnight.” Her 2013 Ford Edge was recovered in Hyattsville on August 24, and surveillance showed her parking and walking away from her car before vanishing, police said.

On Sunday, August 31, Maryland State Police notified Prince George’s County police that a woman’s body was found off U.S. Route 50 in Anne Arundel County; Interim Chief George Nader said the remains share characteristics with Thompson but have not been identified, and confirmation awaits the medical examiner.

Officials also noted the body was located near an unrelated disabled vehicle. For now, the Thompson investigation remains active, while detectives continue to review surveillance camera footage and cellphone data.

An apartment in disarray

Meanwhile, just days after Thompson disappeared, 43-year-old Erica Perry was reported missing, last seen in Hyattsville. Hyattsville Police and the Black and Missing Foundation shared alerts, noting she may be driving a white 2017 Toyota Camry with Maryland plate 6DK7385.

Local reporting indicates her apartment at the Mosaic at Metro complex appeared in disarray, though police have not publicly announced any signs of foul play. Authorities are asking anyone with tips to contact Hyattsville Police at 301-985-5060.

Another woman vanished on September 2

Then on September 2, Santia (Santi) Desir, 37, was reported missing from Riverdale, Maryland, only about two miles from Hyattsville. On Thursday morning, Sept. 4, Prince George’s County Police announced she was safely located, closing her case. The department initially circulated a description and asked for public help; after she was found, they thanked the community and removed active alerts.

Taken together, the three reports occurred within roughly two weeks and all within Prince George’s County. Investigators have not announced any link among the cases. Police emphasized that the discovery off Route 50 has not been confirmed as Thompson and that the public should rely on official updates.

News of each woman’s disappearance prompted comments like, “Why are so many black women from PG County missing?” Comment also said, “What’s going on in MD??” and then finally, in part, “What is going on?! This is like the 3rd woman in a short time span smh.”

Anyone with information about Dacara Thompson is asked to contact Prince George’s County Police at 301-516-2512 or 301-772-4911. Tips regarding Erica Perry can be directed to Hyattsville Police at 301-985-5060. If you prefer to remain anonymous, contact Prince George’s County Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS.