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Investigators search SUV in Wake County double slaying

Authorities investigating the shooting deaths of a Wake County couple searched an SUV matching the description of a vehicle seen leaving the scene of the crime, according to a search warrant released Wednesday.

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Jose Mendoza and Maria Mendoza
RALEIGH, N.C. — Authorities investigating the shooting deaths of a Wake County couple searched an SUV matching the description of a vehicle seen leaving the scene of the crime, according to a search warrant released Wednesday.

Isrrael Vasquez, 16, and his 15-year-old nephew face numerous charges in the deaths of Jose Samual Flores Mendoza and his wife, Maria Saravia Mendoza, who were found Jan. 5 at their home at 708 Colonial Drive, near Garner.

Investigators have said that they believe the Mendozas were unintended targets in a dispute between two rival gangs and that the intended target might have lived in the house before the Mendozas moved there.

The Jan. 14 warrant is for a black Dodge Durango that detectives say belongs to a man who is in the same gang as Vasquez and his nephew and who was named as being involved in a Dec. 4 shooting on Meadowbrook Road.

Investigators seized two cellphones and two laptops from the SUV, according to the warrant.

Vasquez and his nephew are each charged with two counts of murder, two counts of felony conspiracy, first-degree burglary and possession of stolen property.

Vasquez faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number.

The 15-year-old's name has not been released because he is a juvenile.

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