Missing Maryland teen walks away from her car at 1:30 a.m. leaving most of her belongings behind

On the early morning of August 23, 2025, 19-year-old Dacara Thompson inexplicably disappeared after walking away from her car. Her family found Thompson’s abandoned vehicle with nearly all of her possessions, but notably missing were her cell phone and key fob.

According to reports, Thompson left her father’s home in Lanham, Maryland, on August 22, telling him she was getting gas and would return soon. She is believed to have parked her 2013 Ford Edge in the 1800 block of Jasmine Terrace in Hyattsville around 1:30 a.m. the next day, as captured on surveillance footage. Her parents later discovered the SUV parked improperly, facing the wrong direction in front of a fire hydrant.

Meanwhile, surveillance footage showed someone who authorities believe is Thompson walking away from the car in Hyattsville at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 23.

Inside the vehicle, investigators found Dacara’s purse, including credit cards, around $60 in cash, an ID, house keys, and other personal items. Virtually everything except two critical items: her cell phone and key fob, both of which remain unaccounted for. Thompson’s phone, social media, or bank accounts have shown no activity since her disappearance.

The family’s response and a sad update

Dacara’s family has organized a community vigil where dozens gathered at the spot where her car was found, praying and distributing flyers in hopes of new leads. Her mother, Carmen Thompson, poignantly remarked that this situation is “unusual,” noting, “We’ve never discussed anything about ever coming to meet anyone over in this area,” as they don’t know anyone where Dacara’s car was found.

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, law enforcement found a woman’s body in a grassy area off Route 50 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The Maryland State Police and the Prince George’s County Police Department are jointly investigating, and they have stated that there is a “potential connection” between the body and the Dacara Thompson missing persons case.

As of now, law enforcement has not confirmed the identity of the deceased woman, and investigators are awaiting autopsy results.

For now, Prince George’s County Police Department is actively investigating Thompson’s disappearance and has made the case a priority. Anyone with information about what happened is urged to contact Prince George’s County Police Department at 301-772-8970.