By Chris Caraveo

Independent Newsmedia

A fifth suspect is in jail on a $2 million bond after authorities arrested him as a result of a year-long investigation into the murders of two people found inside a vehicle in Tempe.

According to records, 18-year-old Adrian Carlos Barrios was arrested for an outstanding grand jury warrant last Wednesday near Guadalupe Road and Calle Vauo Nawi, near Interstate 10.

Mr. Barrios is one of five alleged suspects from an incident May 5, 2017, when an attempted robbery and deadly shooting occurred at the Garden Groves Apartment Homes, near Grove Parkway and Kyrene Road.

Adrian Barrios (MCSO)

The other four suspects were arrested May 25, 2017. They are Montre Williams, Brandon Nichols, Taylor Bush and Justin Santos.

Police last year identified the shooting victims as 20-year-old DeSean Estrada and 16-year-old Kayon Williams.

Authorities found them dead inside a vehicle. Tempe police were unable to identify or locate any suspects at the time. However, they also said the shootings didn’t appear to be random. It was reported that the two victims had attended McClintock High School.

This story first appeared in the Daily News-Sun March 20 edition. Subscribe at dailynewssun.az.newsmemory.com.

According to a probable cause statement, police had located a third victim who survived a gunshot wound and fled the scene.

That person was able to provide details on the homicide and the suspects involved. Police learned the group and the victims apparently met for a drug transaction.

Mr. Nichols is believed to have shot the three victims, and police located the suspect vehicle when they arrested Mr. Bush.

Over a year of police investigation, authorities collected evidence linking a fifth suspect, Mr. Barrios, to the homicide. Cell phone tower data placed him at the scene near the time the incident occurred. Police also learned Mr. Barrios had communicated with one of the victims prior to the armed robbery attempt.

Mr. Barrios was booked into jail last Wednesday. Court records show his bail was set at $2 million. His next court appearance is scheduled Thursday, March 22.

Mr. Barrios’ birthdate indicates he was 17 at the time of the incident.

He faces two counts of first-degree murder, and charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and attempted armed robbery.