2 murdered execution-style in Montclair garage; suspects at large

ByLeanne Suter, Darsha Philips and ABC7.com staff KABC logo
Monday, February 9, 2015
2 murdered execution-style in Montclair garage
Two men were found duct-taped and shot to death execution-style inside a detached garage in Montclair Sunday night.

MONTCLAIR, Calif. (KABC) -- Two men were found duct-taped and shot to death execution-style inside a detached garage in Montclair Sunday night.

Police responded to the 11000 block of Monte Vista Avenue at about 6:46 p.m. following reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers found the two male victims, described as Hispanic men around their mid-30s.

"They were handcuffed and duct-taped -- their wrists behind their back. [The victims] also had duct-tape around their mouth and neck areas," said Montclair police Lt. Brian Ventura.

Based on preliminary investigation, Montclair police say it appears both victims suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the back of the head.

There are two renters on the property: one family who rents the house, and then the two victims, who rented out the detached garage. According to friends, the victims operated an auto repair shop on the property and worked on vehicles all the time.

The family in the home heard gunshots and saw a possible third male victim running from the location with his hands tied behind his back and his mouth duct-taped. The possible victim also had lacerations to his neck, Ventura said.

The motive remains unknown, but police say the victims were clearly targeted. Authorities are searching for the gunman, as well as the third possible victim seen running from the scene.

Police say the two renters had no connection to one another. Witnesses also told police they saw a dark-colored sedan leaving the area shortly after the gunshots, but police can't say the car is connected at this time.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with further information was urged to contact the Montclair Police Department at (909) 621-4771.