Autopsy Shows Victim Severely Beaten and Died Before Fire Started

SAN ANGELO, TX — On July 2 a fire broke out at the Arden Ridge Apartments at 3801 Arden Road. A body was discovered inside the burning apartment unit. It was unknown at the time if foul play was involved.

Miguel Mendez, 59, of Roswell, New Mexico, was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace J.P. McGuire. In a press release from the San Angelo Police Department at the time, it stated, “an examination of the body revealed injuries to the victim that are inconsistent with those incurred in a fire.”

The autopsy results show that the cause of death as Cranio-encephalic injuries due to multiple blunt impact injuries to the head due to assault.

The autopsy says he had 18 blunt impact injuries.  

The victim had a fractured left eye socket, multiple skull fractures, cerebral contusions, and brain injuries.

The fire is still under investigation but arson is suspected.

No suspects have been identified, as the investigation is still ongoing.

Other stories regarding the fire and investigation:

• SAPD Confirms One Dead in Arden Ridge Apartments Fire
• Is Foul Play Suspected in the Death of That Person Found in the Burning Apartment??