A murder investigation has been launched after a woman from Ilford went missing, as a man known to her appeared in court today (Friday) charged with her murder.
Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, was reported missing on Saturday, May 31, after she left her home on the morning of Thursday, May 29. Detectives are now appealing to the public for information about her disappearance.
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Camden, said: “Officers have been working around the clock to find Yajaira. She has not been seen or heard from by her family or friends since the date she was reported missing.
“Yajaira’s disappearance was initially treated as a missing person investigation led by local officers. The investigation was then transferred to the Met’s Specialist Crime Command on Thursday, 5 June after a range of extensive further enquiries very sadly suggested she has come to harm. Yajaira’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers, and we are keeping them updated with developments.
“I understand the impact this news may have on our local community, however we do have a man charged and in custody and we are not searching for anyone else at this stage. The man and Yajaira are believed to be known to each other.”
He added: “Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and there are crime scenes in place across Camden and Lambeth. We thank the community for their patience while we carry out our enquiries and ask that anyone with information please comes forward.”
Ms Mendez, a Colombian national, had been living in the UK.
Anyone with information relating to Yajaira’s disappearance is urged to contact police via 101 or @MetCC, quoting CAD 3020/06JUN25.
To remain completely anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
