Two Women Arrested for Murder of Elderly San Antonio Man
Authorities apprehended the second suspect in the March death of 84-year-old Manuel Gomez Mendez Jr.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Financial Crime
Police have arrested Leidy Guadalupe Hernandez in connection with the murder of 84-year-old Manuel Gomez Mendez Jr. Her arrest follows the prior detention of Ulani Mable Nunes, as investigators piece together a fatal plot to steal from the elderly victim.
Why it matters
The investigation reveals a calculated conspiracy to target and rob an vulnerable senior citizen. One suspect confessed that the crime was part of a planned scheme to kill the victim and obtain his money.
Leidy Guadalupe Hernandez, 43, was arrested on October 1, joining 23-year-old Ulani Mable Nunes in custody. Both suspects were linked to the case through surveillance footage, phone records, and discovery of the victim's documents in their vehicle.
The players
Manuel Gomez Mendez Jr.
He was an 84-year-old man who was identified as the victim in this homicide investigation.
Leidy Guadalupe Hernandez
The 43-year-old suspect was arrested for her alleged role in the murder.
Ulani Mable Nunes
The 23-year-old suspect was previously taken into custody in connection with the crime.
The details
Manuel Gomez Mendez Jr. was discovered deceased in a ditch along Rigsby Avenue on the city's Southeast Side. Investigators found the victim bound and wrapped in a shower curtain and jacket, providing evidence that the suspects had methodically prepared for the crime.
Timeline
March 28, 2026: The victim was discovered in a ditch on Rigsby Avenue.
October 1, 2026: Leidy Guadalupe Hernandez was taken into custody.
Legal Context
This case follows the pattern set by the Texas Penal Code statutes regarding capital murder during the commission of a robbery. Such crimes are frequently prosecuted under strict state guidelines that classify homicides involving theft as high-level felonies.
Residents in the Southeast Side area are reminded to report suspicious activity, as investigators continue to process evidence from the Rigsby Avenue crime scene. The arrest of the suspects provides a significant step toward closure for the local community.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of using digital evidence like phone and surveillance records to solve crimes involving elderly victims. Families are encouraged to stay vigilant regarding the security and financial welfare of vulnerable relatives.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations into theft-related violence in the Financial Crime section.
