Bio

Manuel Vasquez was born on June 16, 1968, in Jerome, Idaho. He grew up in a Hispanic family in a community that faced various social challenges. There is little information available about his early childhood or family life. However, it is noted that he would later become involved with the Mexican Mafia, a criminal organization that operates primarily in the United States.

As a young man, Vasquez worked in several trades. His jobs included being a welder, carpenter, and laborer. These occupations suggest that he was skilled and had practical experience. Despite his work ethic, Vasquez faced legal issues early in his adult life. He had a prior prison record for aggravated assault, which resulted in a ten-year sentence. He was released on mandatory supervision in July 1991 but returned to supervision in June 1993 and was released again in December 1995.

Vasquez eventually moved to San Antonio, Texas. There he became tied to the Mexican Mafia, where he was recognized as a member. This association would eventually play a significant role in the events that led to his criminal activities.

Murder Story

On March 19, 1998, in San Antonio, Texas, Manuel Vasquez and two accomplices, Johnny Joe Cruz and Oligario Lujan, carried out a murder and robbery of Juanita Ybarra, a 51-year-old woman. This crime was ordered by the Mexican Mafia because Ybarra owed them money. They believed she was not paying the "dime," which was a ten percent tax on her drug sales.

The trio approached her motel room early in the morning. They planned the attack carefully. Vasquez asked a woman for her car keys and then led his accomplices to Ybarra's room. They wore bandanas to hide their faces and had socks to prevent leaving fingerprints.

When they arrived at Ybarra's room, they forced their way inside. Ybarra's boyfriend, Moses Bazan, was present and attempted to protect her. During the struggle, he was overpowered, and the attackers began to assault Ybarra. Vasquez used a telephone cord to strangle her while Cruz and Lujan restrained Bazan and gathered valuables from the room.

The attack was violent and chaotic. Bazan fought back but was severely beaten and injured. During the robbery, the assailants took various items, including cameras and jewelry. They heard police sirens approaching, which prompted them to flee the scene.

Following the crime, they changed clothes to hide the evidence and went to another motel to relax and use drugs. Shortly after, Cruz was arrested. He provided testimony against Vasquez, leading to his conviction.

Manuel Vasquez was sentenced to death on November 30, 1999. His case was linked to his affiliation with the Mexican Mafia, which played a significant role in the actions of that day.