SAN ANTONIO – An 84-year-old Southeast Side man, named Manuel Mendez, tragically lost his life in a brutal attack that has shocked the local community. Recent details released from an arrest affidavit reveal the horrifying circumstances surrounding his murder.
According to the affidavit, two suspects, Leidy Hernandez, 43, and Ulani Nunes, 23, have been charged with capital murder following their arrest. Hernandez was taken into custody recently, while Nunes was already in jail for a different case.
The unfortunate events began when Hernandez and Nunes encountered Mendez at an H-E-B store. In a disturbing turn of events, they devised a plan to rob him and ultimately ended his life.
The suspects arranged to meet Mendez at a property on Chickering Avenue, pretending they were interested in renting from him. However, once they were inside the home, they bound his hands and feet and proceeded to suffocate him using tape, towels, and other items.
Tragically, the affidavit states that Mendez pleaded for his life during the attack, which lasted approximately 30 minutes before he succumbed to suffocation.
Mendez’s burning body was later discovered in a ditch along Rigsby Avenue after a passerby noticed the fire. This shocking revelation has led investigators to gather crucial evidence, including video footage of the suspects with Mendez before his murder.
Interestingly, the suspects are also connected to an unrelated robbery that took place shortly after Mendez’s murder. In that case, an elderly landlord was similarly tied up and robbed, raising suspicions about the suspects’ involvement in both crimes.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals in our communities. It highlights the importance of vigilance and support for the elderly, ensuring their safety in a world where such violent acts can occur.
