Detectives investigating the disappearance of Yajaira Castro Mendez, a woman who went missing from Ilford last week, have confirmed that a body has been discovered during search operations in Hampshire.
While formal identification is yet to take place, Yajaira’s family has been informed of the development and is being supported by specially trained officers.
Search Leads to Tragic Discovery in Hampshire
The discovery was made on Saturday, 7 June, during police searches in the Bolderwood area of Hampshire, as part of the ongoing murder investigation into Yajaira’s disappearance.
A post-mortem examination will be held in due course to determine the exact cause of death.
Detective Inspector Jay Gregory, leading the investigation, said:
“This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. We continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.”
Murder Charge
Yajaira, aged 46 and originally from Colombia, was last seen on the morning of Thursday, 29 May and reported missing on Saturday, 31 May. Extensive enquiries by local and specialist detectives led to a murder investigation being launched on 5 June.
On Friday, 6 June, a man known to Yajaira appeared in court charged with her murder and has been remanded in custody.
Police Appeal
The Metropolitan Police are continuing to urge the public for information that may assist in the investigation. Anyone who may have seen Yajaira around the time of her disappearance or has knowledge of suspicious activity in the Ilford or Hampshire areas is encouraged to contact officers.
Call 101 or message @MetCC on X (formerly Twitter), quoting CAD 3020/06JUN25. Alternatively, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
