Naum Rafael Mendez, a 33-year-old man, was last seen on February 1, 2008, in Boca Raton, Florida. Mendez, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, had lived in the U.S. since 1996. He worked as a waiter at Matteo's Restaurant in Boca Raton and also performed as a dancer under the name "Gaviota" at a nightclub in Lake Worth. On the night of his disappearance, Mendez left work around 10:30 p.m. and returned to his apartment to change clothes.
He was last seen wearing a red dress, blonde wig, and carrying a silver purse. Mendez spoke with a relative later that evening but was not heard from again.
Mendez was known to be a responsible employee who always communicated when he could not make it to work. His sudden disappearance raised concerns, and investigators suspected foul play early on. His belongings, including his car, were left behind, further fueling suspicion. Despite extensive searches, his body has never been found.
In 2010, authorities charged Juan Carlos Atenco Camacho with Mendez’s murder. Camacho, who had a relationship with Mendez, initially denied involvement but later confessed to killing him during an altercation. According to Camacho, Mendez had confessed his love and asked Camacho to leave his wife. When Camacho refused, a violent struggle ensued, resulting in Mendez’s death. Camacho claimed to have disposed of Mendez's body in a canal near PGA Boulevard, but despite search efforts, no remains were discovered. In 2012, Camacho pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Though Mendez’s body remains missing, the case is classified as a homicide, with foul play strongly suspected due to the circumstances surrounding his death.Last Seen: Feb 1, 2008
