Two men are facing the death penalty in connection with the deaths of two people whose bodies were found burned beyond recognition in a vehicle in Peñitas.

Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios confirmed on Tuesday the state will seek the death penalty against Pedro Ismael Garcia and Ricardo Gonzalez Jr. Both men pleaded not guilty to a charge of capital murder of multiple persons in connection with the investigation.

As previously reported, a total of six suspects were arrested in connection with the deaths of Mario Morales Jr. and Maria Del Socorro Farias.

Four men — Garcia, Gonzalez Jr., Juan Antonio Alvarado and Alejandro Lopez — were arrested on capital murder charges. Two women — Amanda Solis and Triana Gonzalez — were arrested on charges of tampering with evidence.

The bodies were found on Feb. 3 in a burned vehicle by Peñitas firefighters on 4 Mile Line between Tom Gill and Circle 6 roads.

READ ABOUT THE CRIME HERE

An autopsy said both victims died of “homicidal violence with gunshot wounds,” a criminal complaint obtained by Channel 5 News said.

The indictment against the men said they shot the victims. The men are all being held without bond, while the women are not in custody.

Deputies with the sheriff’s office arrested the women after they were caught burning evidence linked to the investigation, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

The women told investigators that Morales was severely beaten by Gonzalez Jr. and Garcia at Gonzalez Jr.’s apartment. According to the complaint, Solis said Gonzalez Jr. “admitted to killing Maria the day of the vehicle fire.”

A witness also identified Garcia as the driver of a suspect vehicle authorities said was spotted at the scene of the burned vehicle. 

“Pedro also admitted to this same witness to killing two people and burning their bodies,” the complaint said.

All four male suspects have another court hearing set for Nov. 16. A search of Hidalgo County court records did not indicate the female suspects had court dates listed.