Man, girlfriend arrested in early morning homicide in Gwinnett County, police say

NORCROSS, Ga. — Gwinnett County police have arrested a man and his girlfriend in connection to with a homicide that occurred early Sunday morning in Norcross.

Police responded to a person shot call in the West Precinct to a home on Pepperwood Trail in Norcross just after 1 a.m. When officers arrived, they found the victim’s body inside of the home.

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The victim has been identified as 39-year-old Angel Mendoza of Lawrenceville. The suspects, Esteven Avile-Vega, 26, and Sulma Mejia-Orellana, 26, both of Lawrenceville were determined to be responsible for Mendoza’s death, officials said.

Avile-Vega has been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes; Mejia-Orellana is charged with aggravated assault.

Both are in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail.

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The motive for the shooting is unclear and the investigation continues.

Neighbors told Channel 2 Action News the shooting happened at a party where two men got into an argument. Police have not confirmed those details.

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