A couple were arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of a father of six during a Gwinnett County baby shower Sunday.
Detectives identified 26-year-old Esteven Avila-Vega and his girlfriend, Sulma Mejia-Orellana, also 26, as suspects within 12 hours of the death of Angel Mendoza. They were taken into custody Sunday afternoon at a home in Lawrenceville, according to Gwinnett police.
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Mendoza, 39, of Lawrenceville, was found dead at about 1:10 a.m. Sunday when officers responded to a report of a person shot on Pepperwood Trail near Norcross. Police confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that Mendoza was attending a baby shower with his wife at the location and got into an argument with Avila-Vega as the event was coming to an end.
At some point, Avila-Vega fatally shot the victim in front of everyone at the gathering, authorities told the news station. Police have not said what motivated the killing.
Over the course of their investigation, warrants were obtained for Avila-Vega and Mejia-Orellana. The man is facing charges of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, while his girlfriend is accused of aggravated assault.
They are being held without bond at the county jail.
According to a GoFundMe campaign, Mendoza had six children. The page had raised more than $10,000 as of Monday afternoon.
The shooting remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact police. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
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