On Christmas Eve, as most families in San Antonio were waking to the promise of holiday tradition, 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos stepped out of her home on Caspian Spring for what appeared to be a routine morning walk. That was the last time her family saw her. Nearly a week later, the search for Camila has become an urgent, multi-agency effort stretching beyond the borders of Bexar County and capturing the attention—and concern—of a growing community of supporters and volunteers.
According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Camila was last seen at approximately 6:58 a.m. on December 24, 2025. Surveillance footage from her home captured her searching inside her car for an unknown item just before she left on foot. Notably, she left her car and cellphone at home, taking only her car keys and possibly her driver’s license. She was dressed in a baby-blue and black hoodie, baby-blue pajama bottoms, and white shoes—an outfit now etched into the memory of everyone following her story.
By mid-morning, concern began to mount. Camila’s mother, Rosario Olmos, told authorities that while it was normal for her daughter to take early walks, it was highly unusual for her not to return. When Camila failed to come back within a reasonable time, her mother reported her missing—a decision that quickly set in motion a sprawling search effort.
Investigators soon obtained new evidence: dash cam footage from a commuter driving along Wildhorse Parkway, just a couple of blocks from Camila’s home, captured a woman matching her description walking alone. Sheriff Javier Salazar explained at a press conference that while he couldn’t say with absolute certainty it was Camila, "the clothing description matches up." He added, "This was the best direction of flight that we were able to develop." Authorities released the footage in hopes that others might have captured similar video, urging neighbors to check their own surveillance cameras from that morning.
As the days passed, the search for Camila intensified. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office mobilized deputies, cadets, mounted patrols, drones, and even cadaver dogs. The FBI joined the investigation, providing technical assistance and digital forensic analysis on Camila’s iPhone and iPad—both left behind at her home. The Department of Homeland Security began monitoring border crossings and international travel, a precaution underscored by Sheriff Salazar, who emphasized, "We definitely don’t want to miss anything... We’re also not ruling out that this case may take us outside the borders of the continental United States." He also confirmed that Camila was not detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after checking federal detention records, addressing a concern raised by her family.
Authorities have made clear that Camila’s case is being treated with the utmost seriousness. Sheriff Salazar told ABC News there is enough information to suggest she is in "imminent danger," citing a reported history of suicidal ideation and attempted self-harm. “She just seems to have vanished,” said Lori Wittmeyer, case intake manager for Search and Support San Antonio, a nonprofit actively assisting in the search. “If she is out here on her own, without appropriate shelter and clothing, that’s obviously a great concern. We’re just hoping for the best.”
Yet, Camila’s family and friends paint a picture of a young woman who was athletic, caring, and humble. Her father described her as a "daddy’s girl," recalling that she told him she loved him the day before she disappeared—something he said was completely normal. “She was always like that. Nothing felt awkward or different. She’s not the type of person who would just leave like this,” he shared. Despite reports of past suicidal thoughts, her father insists she had no history of depression or ongoing mental health struggles.
Camila had also been dealing with personal stress, including school-related pressures and a recent mutual breakup. Authorities have investigated all angles, but Sheriff Salazar stated there is no evidence of foul play or "nefarious" involvement, with everyone close to Camila cooperating fully.
The urgency of the search has galvanized a broad coalition of volunteers. Family members from across the United States and Mexico have traveled to San Antonio to help, while friends canvass neighborhoods, distribute flyers, and organize search parties. At Wildhorse HOA Sports Park, Camila’s childhood friends gathered, hearts heavy with worry. “We walked every single day. It’s crazy how the one time she went by herself, she didn’t come back,” one friend said. Their message was simple and direct: "I just want Cami home." They urged anyone with information to come forward, adding, "If anyone knows where she is, just bring her home. You don’t have to say anything. You can just drop her off anywhere."
Local organizations have stepped up as well. Search and Support San Antonio has deployed drones and coordinated closely with law enforcement to avoid duplicating efforts. The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, also known as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to Camila’s safe return. Their volunteers are canvassing not just San Antonio but also Central Texas cities like Waco, Round Rock, and Temple, while monitoring social media for new leads.
The community’s response has been both compassionate and vigilant. As speculation swirls online, volunteers like Wittmeyer urge the public to "deal with the situation and the family with grace." She cautioned, "Just be careful of what comments that you make because it’s a very difficult situation and we just want it to be something that we can get through, resolve and bring her home as quickly as we possibly can."
Law enforcement and volunteer groups continue to stress that one of the most helpful steps residents can take is reviewing any home surveillance or doorbell camera footage from the morning of December 24. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000 or email [email protected]. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, as temperatures in San Antonio dip into the low 40s, concern for Camila’s well-being grows. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office recently announced a restructuring to better respond to the increasing number of missing persons cases, a move local advocates hope will ease the burden on families in similar situations.
For her family, the days since Christmas Eve have been filled with fear, hope, and faith. Camila’s father, holding back emotion, offered a message to his missing daughter: "If she’s listening, Daddy’s here waiting. We’re not mad. We just want her to come home. It hurts, it breaks my heart, but my faith and the prayers are holding me up."
The search for Camila Mendoza Olmos continues, with a city—and far beyond—hoping for her safe return.
