SAPD still looking for men in deadly 1987 beating

Robert Hernandez, 35, killed in attack; 2 others hurt

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police don't know how many men were involved in a brutal 1987 attack that left one man dead. It's a case that turned cold quickly. It's also one they'd still like to solve.

Richard Hernandez, 35, was headed home the evening of Nov. 29, 1987. Police said he had just dropped his 13-year-old son off at his estranged wife's home.

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Hernandez, his brother and a friend were walking in an alley behind a shopping center at 4900 West Commerce when several men -- all believed to be 20-25 years old -- attacked them with sticks and broken beer bottles.

"When officers arrived at the scene, they found Richard Hernandez still in the alley. He had no vital signs," police said.

The two other men with Hernandez were also badly beaten and cut, but survived.

The medical examiner said Hernandez died of head injuries.

Police said family members recently contacted them to reopen the case.

"With new DNA technology and help from the public, homicide investigators believe this case will be solved, bringing some closure to family members," police said.

SAPD's Cold Case Squad is still investigating the case.

If you have any information, you are asked to call 210-207-7635.