(NewsNation) — Authorities are warning that a teen last seen on Christmas Eve may be in “imminent danger.”
Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, vanished after her mother said she went on one of her regular walks around the neighborhood early on Wednesday, Dec. 24. She was wearing a black North Face sweater with blue accents, baby blue pajama shorts and white shoes.
A person believed to be Mendoza Olmos was seen on surveillance video around 7 a.m., appearing to be searching in her car for something.
A ground search has been underway in the area.
Camila Olmos disappeared on foot, left cell phone at home
Investigators say the only items she had on her were her car keys and possibly a driver’s license. She disappeared while walking, leaving her vehicle behind at her home. Her cell phone was also left in her home.
NewsNation Law and Justice Correspondent Jennifer Coffindaffer said the fact that Mendoza Olmos was wearing pajamas and didn’t take her phone are two indications that the teen didn’t intend to leave her home beyond a short walk.
“It’s very unusual for someone to go missing at that time in the holiday season,” she said.
They have not released many details about the case, but said that the information they have indicates that Mendoza Olmos could be in danger.
Camila Olmos’s family provides statements
Olmos’s aunt, Nancy Olmos, issued the following statement to NewsNation: “Thank you so much for all your support. We know that God is going to help us bring her back home safely, and with the support of the community who continue to show us that there are still good people in this world, we truly feel strengthened. Thank you, in the name of the Olmos family.”
“We are also asking the community to please check any cameras or footage from Christmas Eve, December 24th. Anything you find could help us bring her home,” she added.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation (Formerly Uvalde Foundation for Kids) also announced that it is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to Camila’s safe return. They are urging people to avoid rumors and speculation.
“Our absolute priority is the safe recovery of Camila and supporting her family,” said Daniel Chapin, Founder and National Director of the YPJF.
“However, we are seeing an influx of correspondence containing extreme, unverified allegations—including claims of law enforcement cover-ups and links to unrelated tragedies. We must be clear: unfounded rumors do not help find Camila; they obstruct the investigation and drain resources away from the search,” Chapin acknowledged.
Multiple agencies searching for Camila Olmos
Authorities say they confirmed that Mendoza Olmos, a U.S. citizen, has not been detained by ICE.
Multiple agencies are involved in the search, including the FBI.
“The FBI is committed to helping locate missing adults and children,” said an FBI San Antonio spokesperson. “At the request of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), FBI San Antonio is assisting with this missing person investigation by providing resources and expertise, including digital forensic analysis. We will continue working closely with BCSO to determine whether a federal violation exists and to support their ongoing investigation.”
The sheriff’s office said they have not ruled out anything in the case, including kidnapping, human trafficking or that she could have left of her own accord.
Mendoza Olmos had recently gone through a breakup, but authorities don’t believe that is related, as it was a mutual breakup and everyone has been cooperating with the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000 or send information to bcsotips@bexar.org . Callers and tipsters may remain anonymous.