UNSOLVED, STILL OPEN: Port Lavaca man killed in 1999 hit-and-run still unsolved

The body of Manuel Lee Heysquierdo, 20, of Port Lavaca, was found lying in the middle of FM 1090 in the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 21, 1999.

Lenise McCord, who was driving home to Point Comfort from Victoria, came upon the scene and initially thought Heysquierdo was unconscious. With EMT training, McCord began CPR while a group of teenagers rushed into town to call 911.

McCord said she saw Heysquierdo lying in the road gasping for air. She checked for bleeding but found no visible wounds and no blood at the scene. She said he still had a faint pulse when she arrived.

Heysquierdo was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace James Duckett, who ordered an autopsy. Initial impressions were that Heysquierdo died of internal injuries. According to family members, he had a mark on his stomach consistent with being run over by a vehicle, as well as bruises on his face.

Calhoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Johnny Amador said he was investigating the incident as a hit-and-run. Amador also noted that black marks on the asphalt could possibly be tire tracks but had not been confirmed.

Family members said Heysquierdo had been at Day’s Inn on Saturday night, where friends reported he left the party alone and on foot.

The case remains unsolved.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Calhoun County Crime Stoppers at 361-552-2274. All tips are anonymous.

Information for this report was sourced from The Port Lavaca Wave.