A murder investigation is now underway after a missing East London woman was feared dead, following her unexplained disappearance last week.
Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, vanished on the morning of Thursday, 29 May, after leaving her home in Ilford. Two days later, she was officially reported missing.
Today, Friday 6 June, a man known to Yajaira appeared before the courts, charged with her murder. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are not seeking any additional suspects at this stage.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command took over the case on Wednesday, 5 June, after local officers made extensive enquiries that sadly pointed to a far darker outcome.
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart stated: “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.”
From Missing Person to Murder Probe
Initially treated as a missing person case, Yajaira’s situation escalated when investigators uncovered evidence suggesting she may have come to serious harm.
“The investigation was then transferred to the Met’s Specialist Crime Command… after a range of extensive further enquiries very sadly suggested she has come to harm,” Chief Superintendent Stewart explained.
The missing East London woman’s family is being supported by specialist officers during what is undoubtedly a traumatic time.
Scotland Yard confirmed that active crime scenes have been established in both Camden and Lambeth as part of the investigation. The public has been thanked for their patience as police conduct forensic and investigative work at the sites.
“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,” said Stewart.
The Metropolitan Police is now calling on the public to help shed light on what happened to the missing East London woman.
Contact Details for Information:
- Call 101 or message @MetCC, quoting CAD 3020/06JUN25
- Remain anonymous via Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org
Though a charge has been brought, officers remain focused on piecing together the full picture of Yajaira’s final known movements.
The disappearance of a woman in her forties, in broad daylight, from a residential area has sent ripples of concern throughout East London. With no confirmed sightings and mounting fears, this case is a tragic reminder of how quickly circumstances can escalate.
The missing East London woman remains at the heart of this investigation, as detectives push forward in the hopes of securing justice for Yajaira and answers for her family.
