Additional Coverage:
- Two Texas women jailed after 84-year-old man’s decomposing body found burning in a roadside ditch (themirror.com)
San Antonio Police Uncover Shocking Case After Brush Fire Reveals Body
San Antonio authorities responded to a brush fire on March 28 that led to a disturbing discovery: the charred remains of 84-year-old Manuel Gomez Mendez Jr. The investigation quickly escalated when two women were arrested and charged with his murder.
Law enforcement traced the suspects to Leidy Guadalupe Hernandez, 43, and Ulani Mable Nunes, 23, through surveillance footage and phone records. Hernandez was taken into custody on October 1, while Nunes-already jailed on unrelated charges-was rebooked on October 2 to face new allegations.
Both women are charged with capital murder tied to terroristic threats and other felonies, as well as aggravated robbery. Reports indicate Hernandez had previously worked for Mendez.
The pair reportedly encountered him at a grocery store, then deceived him by claiming interest in renting an apartment. Once inside his home, the women allegedly restrained Mendez with duct tape and suffocated him over about 30 minutes.
The suspects are said to have remained in the apartment for several days alongside the victim’s body. When the odor of decomposition became unbearable, they transported the corpse to a nearby wooded area and set it on fire. Authorities recovered ropes, a dolly, and a melted plastic container at the scene.
Further investigation uncovered Mendez’s identification and Social Security card in a vehicle linked to Hernandez and Nunes. After waiving her Miranda rights, Nunes confessed to the crime, stating they killed Mendez to obtain more money rather than simply robbing him.
Currently held at Tarrant County Jail-with Nunes having been moved to an undisclosed location-the two women face an early stage in the Bexar County legal process, with court hearings forthcoming. The case remains under active investigation as authorities continue to piece together the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.