Justice for Marissa: family demands independent investigation into police failures

Mary — Marissa DiNapoli, an 18-year-old from Morgan Hill, California, was found dead last week, following her disappearance in late June. Her family says the Morgan Hill Police failed to act urgently in the early hours of Marissa's disappearance, and they believe racial and systemic bias played a role in that failure. Marissa's siblings are now calling for an independent investigation into the department's handling of the case. Add your name to demand accountability. Investigate Morgan Hill Police in Marissa's Case 6,772 have signed JULIAN RAMIREZ's petition. Let's get to 7,500! Sign now with a click To: The City of Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County Officials, and the California Department of Justice We, the undersigned, are calling for an immediate independent investigation and formal audit of the Morgan Hill Police Department's handling of the disappearance and death of Marissa Dinapoli, a beloved member of our community. Marissa was the youngest of eight siblings, born to Julian Sr. and Anita Sr. Ramirez and later adopted by the DiNapoli family through child welfare services. Despite growing up in the foster care system, Marissa and her siblings became leaders, educators, and professionals — holding degrees from UCLA, Stanford, Columbia, Berkeley, and other esteemed universities. In the most critical early hours of Marissa's disappearance, the Morgan Hill Police Department failed to respond with the urgency the situation demanded: Timeline of Events:  The day after Marissa was reported missing, her sister Monicia Ramirez provided police with the exact location of Martin Mendoza Jr., the last person seen with Marissa. Officers confronted Mendoza in person — yet did not arrest or detain him for questioning. He fled within hours of that encounter. Days later, a community member, not the police, discovered Marissa's body. Mendoza was only apprehended by accident, attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border a week after Marissa's death. We believe this inaction was not only unacceptable — it was dangerous. We believe that racial and systemic bias played a role in the failure to act. This delay: Cost Marissa her chance at rescue. Risked the safety of the broader Morgan Hill community. Violated the public's trust. We are demanding: A full, independent investigation into the Morgan Hill Police Department's actions. A formal audit of their internal procedures for missing persons cases. A commitment to transparency and accountability to ensure this never happens again. We are also calling on individuals with expertise in public policy, law enforcement oversight, racial justice, and community advocacy to support this effort and offer guidance as we seek justice for Marissa. Marissa's life mattered. Our community deserves answers. Her story must lead to real change. Please sign and share this petition. Help us ensure that every daughter, sister, and loved one receives the protection they deserve. In solidarity, Julian, Moses, and the Ramirez Siblings Sign now with a click Disagree? Visit petition page Victories Every Day – 100% Funded by You Not beholden to politics or power brokers, Change.org is free for people everywhere to make change. Every day there are real victories for issues you care about, only possible because we are 100% funded by everyday people like you. Will you stand with us to protect the power of everyday people to make a difference? Support Change.org At Change.org, we believe in the voice of everyday people. Is there something that you want to change? Start a petition today The person (or organization) who is leading this petition is not affiliated with Change.org. Change.org is not responsible for the petition content. By clicking the sign now button, you authorize that you are Mary and you support this petition. If you'd like to ask others to sign the petition, you'll have a chance to do so after you sign it. Or, you can share this link. How useful was this email? 1 2 3 4 5 Not Useful Useful Unsubscribe from emails like this Unsubscribe from all Change.org emails Manage your email preferences  ·  Privacy policy We'd love to hear from you! Contact us through our help center. Change.org  ·  548 Market St #29993, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA