Manuel Sanchez Jr

Manuel Sanchez Jr., a 28-year-old Hispanic man, had recently moved to El Paso, Texas, from Chicago with his family, who were drawn to the area’s safe neighborhoods and parks. Manuel, who had a high-functioning form of Down syndrome, was described by his family as happy, joyful, and bigger than life, with a contagious laugh. Known to loved ones as "Manito," he lived a very normal life and worked with his father as a truck driver.

On the evening of September 4, 2022, Manuel left his home around 9 p.m. in his father’s SUV. He was headed to Sgt. Jesus Roberto Vasquez USMC Park, a place close to his house where he often played basketball. When he did not return home and his phone went straight to voicemail, his worried father called 911. At the park, police believe Manuel was shot in the head with a handgun while sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle. His friends, who were at the basketball courts, later recalled hearing a single shot that they mistook for a firework.

Days later, authorities discovered a burned-out vehicle with human remains inside in a desert area on Fort Bliss property near Loop 375. The vehicle was identified by its VIN number, but the remains were so severely burned that identification was difficult. Investigators determined that some of Manuel’s property had been stolen, including his wallet, identification card, about $300 in cash, and a silver ring.

The investigation led police to 18-year-old Michael Leyva. According to court documents, Leyva confessed to shooting Manuel Sanchez Jr. during a robbery. He told investigators he wanted to steal a vehicle to commit another robbery in order to pay off a debt for Xanax pills. After the shooting, Leyva admitted he and two other people drove the SUV with Manuel’s body to the desert and set it on fire. One of the alleged accomplices was publicly identified as Daniel Leyva, who was reportedly seen in a Snapchat video holding the victim’s silver ring.

Michael Leyva was arrested on September 14 and charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery. The family, who believes the attack was random, was devastated by the loss. Manuel's father quit his job, and the family decided to move back to Chicago to be with relatives. On October 1, 2022, friends and community members held a candlelight vigil at the park to honor Manuel's memory. As of that month, the case against Michael Leyva was proceeding through the court system.