2 Men Charged in Double Homicide

Two Santa Ana men were charged Friday in connection with the shooting deaths of two acquaintances, although a motive remains unclear.

Prosecutors charged Bernie Daniel Gutierrez, 20, with two counts of murder and additional allegations that make him eligible for the death penalty.

Jose Alfredo Navarro, 20, was charged with being an accessory to the March 10 slayings and faces an additional count of first-degree burglary.

Michael Peckham, 20, and Francisco Anguiano, 23, both of Santa Ana, were found slain inside Peckham’s apartment in the 3100 block of Main Street. They were found by Peckham’s mother, who shared the apartment with her son.

Neighbors told police they heard noises, possibly gunshots, about 9:30 p.m. but didn’t think enough of them to call police, Santa Ana Police Sgt. Raul Luna said.

Witnesses saw the suspects and victims hanging out between 6 and 9:30 p.m. on the night the bodies were discovered, Luna said.

Police said they found evidence at the scene that linked Gutierrez to the crime but declined to provide details, citing the continuing investigation.

Authorities also declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding the burglary charge filed against Navarro.

Police said they do not know of a motive for the killings, but a source said investigators believe Gutierrez may have quarreled with one of the victims.