Beloved Community Helper Manuel Mendez Found Murdered in San Antonio

A Life of Service Cut Short

The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the identity of the victim as Manuel Gomez Mendez Jr., 84 , whose brutal murder has shaken east San Antonio's tight-knit community. Known to friends as "Manny," he was described as someone who was "always moving around, just meeting people" and "like a roving good Samaritan, you know, just out looking for people to befriend and see how he could help them out."

Passersby called 911 Saturday morning after noticing what appeared to be a grass fire along Rigsby Avenue, not far from Roland Road, but while putting out that fire, San Antonio firefighters noticed a body in the middle of it and called in homicide investigators. A report from San Antonio police says the body had its hands bound, and it was wrapped in a jacket and shower curtain.

His friends called him Manny and they said his life was one of faith and service to others, with Melvin Fechner, the minister at HIS BridgeBuilders, where Manny was a well-loved member of the community, saying "He made a big difference in a lot of people's lives, mine included, so I was very thankful for who he was and what he did."

A Walking Testament to Kindness

Fechner, who had lived in the neighborhood for 18 years, said Mendez "was here long before that, but he introduced me to so many people in the neighborhood," adding "He was always being with God's people, doing the work of God, to love God and love his neighbors and I literally met people all over about half the city because he would just introduce me to people all the time."

Manny's neighbor David described him as "awesome" and "a really sweet guy," noting that he often offered his friend rides because he helped so many people in his travels: "We always saw him walking with his little cart, so we always asked him if he needed a ride. He was always helping someone."

Using a famous quote to better explain his friend's character, Fechner said "Teddy Roosevelt said walk softly and carry a big stick. Manny walked softly and carried a big heart and so he was just a great role model for me and anyone else that was around him just about how to love people and be selfless."

Community Seeks Justice

The sudden, brutal murder of 84-year-old Manuel Gomez Mendez, Jr. has shocked east San Antonio, leaving the community mourning the loss of a beloved man known for his faith and service, while friends and police are working tirelessly to uncover who committed this heinous crime. The Medical Examiner has not made a ruling on exactly how or why 84-year-old Manuel Gomez Mendez, Jr died, but his friends say his sudden and tragic loss is a blow to east San Antonio.

The number to the San Antonio Police Department homicide division is 210-207-7635 for anyone who has helpful information. In addition to all the people he knew and helped in the community, his friends said Mendez was a father of two sons.

A Legacy of Love

Fighting back tears, Fechner said "It'll make you sad because there's not many guys like that." The loss of someone who dedicated his life to helping others serves as a stark reminder of how violence can rob communities of their most precious assets—those who choose kindness over indifference.

Friends said services have not been announced but they take comfort in knowing a good and faithful servant has gone on to his reward, with Fechner saying "There is no doubt in my mind he laid up many treasures in heaven." While investigators work to bring justice for Mendez, his community continues to honor his memory by carrying forward the spirit of service that defined his 84 years of life.