SAN ANTONIO – A tragic incident has shaken the community of San Antonio, where the body of an elderly man was discovered burning in a brush fire along Rigsby Avenue. The victim, identified as **Manuel Gomez Mendez Jr.**, aged 84, is being remembered fondly by those who knew him.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Mendez’s identity after passersby alerted authorities to a fire early Saturday morning. When firefighters arrived to extinguish the flames, they made a grim discovery: a body wrapped in a jacket and shower curtain, with hands bound. This shocking revelation led police to classify the case as a homicide.
Melvin Fechner, a close friend of Mendez, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss. He described Mendez, affectionately known as “Manny,” as someone who dedicated his life to helping others. Fechner runs a charity called **HIS BridgeBuilders**, where Mendez often volunteered his time and resources.
“He made a big difference in a lot of people’s lives, mine included,” Fechner said. “Manny was always doing the work of God, loving his neighbors and helping those in need.” Mendez’s kindness was not just a personal trait; it was a mission that resonated throughout the community.
One of those affected by Mendez’s generosity is **Eva Bonifacio**, who met him in 2020 and started renting a home from him five months ago. Originally from Honduras, Bonifacio described Mendez as a caring person who always checked in on her.
“When I stopped hearing from him last week, I just knew something was wrong,” Bonifacio recounted. She echoed the sentiment of many in the community, voicing a strong desire for justice and the apprehension of Mendez’s killer.
As of the latest updates, police have not made any arrests in the case. The community is left to mourn a man who touched so many lives. Fechner remarked on Mendez’s unique character, saying, “Teddy Roosevelt said, ‘Walk softly and carry a big stick.’ Manny walked softly and carried a big heart.”
Mendez was not just a community figure; he was also a father to two sons, leaving behind a legacy of care and compassion. Friends and community members continue to remember him for his unwavering commitment to helping those around him, embodying the spirit of a true good Samaritan.
