Hernandez was driving a black 2020 GMC Acadia with Texas plates the night she vanished, according to officials.

Over two hours after divers entered the water, a dark-colored SUV was recovered from the pond at about 7 p.m. local time, according to Houston ABC station KTRK.

UPDATE: Vehicle has been recovered. Media briefing to be held in approximately 10 minutes on Reflection Bay near North Clear Lake Loop. #HouNews https://t.co/RfyJDqdlew pic.twitter.com/ju1f3UhuuZ

— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) May 12, 2021

It was evident the car had been in the pond for an \"extended period of time,\" Deese said.

Authorities could not share what information led them to that location, or where in the pond, which ranged from 8 to 15 feet deep, it was found.

\"PHOTO:
KTRK
PHOTO: The SUV of Erica Hernandez, a missing mother of three, was found submerged with a body inside in Pearland, Texas, on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. The body inside has yet to be officially identified.
>

Hernandez was captured by a Ring doorbell camera leaving her brother and sister-in-law's home on the night of April 17, just hours before she disappeared. She then took her children home before going to a friend's house, relatives said. She left her friend's home about 2:30 a.m. on April 18. She texted her friend that she was \"five minutes away from getting home,\" sources told KTRK.

After Hernandez vanished, her cellphone and her vehicle's OnStar connection stopped sending location signals, police said. Previously police said they had not ruled out foul play.

Since her disappearance, her family members have passed out missing person fliers and have searched for clues on possible routes she could have taken to get home.

Family members of Hernandez were on the scene of the investigation at the retention pond Tuesday, KTRK reported. \"I feel numb,\" her sister, Ashley Hernandez, told KTRK.

ABC News' Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report.

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