Men Bound in Duct Tape, Shot “Execution-Style” in Garage

The bodies were found in a detached garage used for automotive repairs at a San Bernardino County residence

Two men shot "execution-style" were found Sunday night in a garage on a sprawling property in San Bernardino County with their arms bound in duct tape behind their backs, police said.

Police used a bloodhound Sunday night to search for a third person, possibly a victim, seen bleeding, in handcuffs and running from an area where the bodies of two men were bound and shot in a Montclair garage. Witnesses also reported seeing a car leave the property, about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, but no one had been located as of Monday morning.

"Whoever did this knew exactly why they wanted these people and why they wanted to kill them in this manner," said Sgt. Byron Kelly.

Police received a call of shots fired just before 7 p.m. in the 11000 block of Monte Vista Avenue in Montclair, said Lt. Brian Ventura of the Montclair Police Department. The call came from residents who were renting a single-family home on the property, which includes several structures and a nursery.

Police found the bodies of two men in their 30s dead from gunshot wounds in a detached garage of the home, Ventura said. Both victims had their wrists tied behind their backs. One of the victims also had his ankles bound in duct tape, police said

"They were both bound with their arms behind their backs and shot execution-style," said Kelly.

The men were shot at close range in the head, according to investigators. The slayings do not appear to be part of a home invasion or a random act, police said in a statement.

The detached garage was being used for an automotive repair operation and several vehicles were parked outside the garage. A woman who visited the property Monday morning identified herself as the sister of a victim. She told NBC4 the man worked as a mechanic at the garage and did not come home Sunday night.

She last spoke with her brother Sunday morning and had not heard about any conflicts with customers.

"I see a lot of cars go in and out," said neighbor Gricelda Barajas. "I'm worried because we live so close. I'm afraid."

No arrests were reported Monday morning. A detailed description of the four-door sedan seen leaving the property was not available and at least two people are sought in connection with the shooting deaths, police said.

As for the third victim seen running from the garage, Kelly said it is likely he does not want to speak with authorities.

"Clearly, he doesn't want to be involved with the authorities for fear if he is captured again by the same suspects, then he could be killed this time," said Kelly.

The deaths mark the first homicides of 2015 in Montclair. The San Bernardino County community reported three homicides last year.

NBC4's Jason Kandel contributed to this report.

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