Vanished Without a Trace: The Tragic Case of Jessica Lopez and the Pursuit of Justice in Newburgh

A Vibrant Life Cut Short

Jessica "Yessica" Lopez, a 36-year-old woman from Newburgh, New York, was known for her warm personality and dedication to her family. Born in Honduras, she moved to the United States with her family, eventually settling in Newburgh. Jessica worked as a substitute teacher in the Newburgh school district from 2007 to 2012 and later at a local medical clinic. She left her job to care for her ailing father, showcasing her selflessness and commitment to her loved ones. Jessica was also active in her church, taught Bible classes, and had a passion for cooking and couponing, often preparing meals for her family and ensuring they were well-stocked with essentials.

The Disappearance

On the night of November 1, 2019, Jessica was last seen by a friend after spending the evening at a Chili's restaurant in the Town of Newburgh. She was dropped off at her home on Dubois Street and was seen getting into her own car. Jessica was reported missing on November 3, 2019, after failing to return home or contact her family. Her silver 2005 Toyota Camry was later found abandoned at Showtime Cinema on Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh.

The Investigation

The New Windsor Police Department, along with state and federal agencies, launched an extensive search for Jessica, following over 440 leads and conducting numerous large-scale searches, including in northeastern Pennsylvania. Despite these efforts, Jessica's body was never found. Investigators focused on Jessica's on-and-off boyfriend, Matthew Mercado, who was last seen with her at the Windsor Motel in New Windsor. Mercado was initially arrested on unrelated burglary charges shortly after Jessica's disappearance.

The Confession

In August 2022, Matthew Mercado, then 39, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter, second-degree burglary, and tampering with physical evidence in connection with Jessica's death. He admitted to giving Jessica a variety of illegal narcotics on November 3, 2019, which caused her to have a severe adverse reaction. Mercado failed to seek medical help, and Jessica died in the motel room. He then placed her body in the trunk of her car and disposed of it to prevent discovery. ...Read More

Share

Comments (0)

Leave A Comment