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Two arrested for allegedly killing two people and setting home on fire, authorities say

“A heinous crime such as this requires immediate action and apprehension is essential to prevent additional losses.”

SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested Juan Antonio Reyes Wednesday evening on charges involving capital murder, according to a press release. 

The release says Reyes, 24, was wanted by SAPD after a warrant was issued for his arrest Tuesday. Reyes allegedly shot and killed two people in their home and then set their house on fire, according to a report. Officials say Reyes is a cousin of one of the victims. The document says two other suspects helped him pull off the crime, but we don't have confirmation of their arrests yet.

RELATED: Two people found dead with gunshot wounds after west-side fire, SAPD says

SAPD believe that Reyes killed Sergio Soto and Rachel Martinez back on July 7 at the home on Waverly, then set it on fire.

Police say they have video evidence of Reyes and two others going into the home where Soto and Martinez lived. Investigators say three gunshots can be heard on the video as Reyes and the two suspects were in the home.
The arrest document says the victims were shot in the head and the fire was supposed to cover it up, but burned bodies don't bleed. That was the first indicator to police that something was wrong.

Police say Reyes' mother dropped him and a friend off at Soto and Martinez's house. But Soto told them to leave because they had been drinking.
The two went to a fast food restaurant and returned with an additional person. Investigators say the three were the only ones coming and going to that home during the gunfire and, eventually, the fire.

The arrest affidavit also says at least three family members identified Reyes, including his mother, as the person walking away from a burning home where two people had been shot.

As for a clear motive, nothing was listed beyond Soto asking the men to leave because they had been drinking.

Reyes was found at a motel at the 1400 block of Culebra Road where he was arrested.  

“Our deputies and task force officers executed the search for Reyes without delay and wasted no time tracking him down,” said U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau. “A heinous crime such as this requires immediate action and apprehension is essential to prevent additional losses.”

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