Body in car pulled from Pearland pond matches missing mom
Erica Hernandez, a single mother to three children, was the subject of an intense search since she vanished after leaving a friend's home in southwest Houston last month.
Family said Hernandez left her friend's home in the 6000 block of Benning Drive around 2:30 a.m. on April 18. She reportedly sent a text around 3:04 a.m. stating she was "five minutes away from getting home."
On Tuesday, her SUV was discovered in the small body of water at Reflection Bay and N. Clear Lake, in Shadow Creek Ranch. The Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed on Wednesday that the person found inside the vehicle was indeed Hernandez.
WATCH: 'It's not over' Family says after missing mom's car found in pond
'It's not over' Family says after missing mom's car found in pond
The sister of Hernandez spoke to the media at the site of the discovery on Tuesday saying the family felt numb and sick to their stomach.
Last week, the search for Hernandez took investigators to a Missouri City park. But the truck that sonar helped locate beneath the water there was not related to the missing woman's case.
SEE ALSO: Vehicle found underwater at Missouri City park is not tied to missing mom Erica Hernandez, HPD says
Vehicle possibly detected at park during search for mom
Authorities could not confirm if foul play is involved. Pearland police will now lead the investigation.