Community Mourns Beloved Good Samaritan Found Murdered in San Antonio

Tragic Discovery Shocks East Side Neighborhood

What began as a routine call about a grass fire on a busy San Antonio road quickly transformed into a horrific murder investigation that has left an entire community reeling. San Antonio firefighters discovered the body of a man just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday in an area surrounded by brush along Rigsby Avenue, not far from Roland Road, after crews had been called to that location for what was thought to be a grass fire. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office identified the man as Manuel Gomez Mendez Jr., 84.

A body that was found burning in a ditch on the city's Southeast Side had its hands bound and was wrapped in various materials, including a shower curtain, according to a report by San Antonio police, with the police report saying the body, which had its hands bound, was wrapped in a jacket as well as a shower curtain. Nearby, investigators found multiple ropes and a plastic tote, the report said. The gruesome nature of the crime has left even experienced investigators searching for answers about who could commit such a heinous act.

A family driving past the scene said it was only then that they learned they had stumbled upon a murder scene. The woman said the experience left her family shaken and wondering who would do something like that to another person, which is among a list of questions investigators also have as they search for the killer.

A Life Dedicated to Serving Others

Relatives of Manuel "Manny" Mendez described him as a man of deep faith who dedicated his life to serving others and uplifting those around him, with his son Victor Mendez saying "He was always connected with people and praying for people and just a very kind man." Friends described him as "like a roving good Samaritan, you know, just out looking for people to befriend and see how he could help them out."

The East Side senior worked tirelessly in the community for years, those close to him said, often loaning his time to charities Fechner and HIS BridgeBuilders. His life is being remembered as one of service providing meals to those in need on the Southeast Side, traveling to Mexico as a missionary, and caring for local children. One family friend captured his character perfectly: "If you knew him you really got a picture of who Christ was."

Dozens gathered in prayer and reflection to honor Mendez, remembering him as a constant source of compassion and support, with his son Victor Mendez saying the turnout reflected the impact his father had on the community: "It just shows how connected my dad was with people and just the love that people have shared — a lot of wonderful messages."

Family Seeks Justice and Answers

David Mendez says his brother last saw their father two weeks ago, and David tried to call his father last Friday but couldn't reach him, saying "I had actually tried to get a hold of him to see if he wanted to come with me out of town. I couldn't get a hold of him. I didn't think a whole lot of it because when we get older, we forget to charge our phones."

Victor Mendez said the family is struggling to understand why his father was targeted, saying "I can't imagine this person knows the godly person that my dad was." Manuel Mendez leaves behind 2 sons and seven grandchildren. Community members are demanding action: "We want justice. We want the police to do their job, because who's next? They took from us an 84-year-old innocent man."

Investigation Continues as Community Rallies

Investigators have not released additional details about the case, and no arrests have been announced. The brutal nature of this crime against such a beloved community figure has intensified calls for swift justice and raised concerns about safety in the area.

The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly community members and the devastating impact violent crime has on tight-knit neighborhoods. As one friend noted, nobody deserves to die like Mendez did, but because of his friend's commitment to good works, the horrific way he died is all the more painful. The investigation continues as the community channels their grief into determination to see justice served for a man who spent his life serving others.

Despite their grief, the family said they are leaning on their faith. The memory of Manuel "Manny" Mendez will likely inspire continued community service and vigilance, ensuring his legacy of compassion lives on even as investigators work to bring his killer to justice.