18-year-old found guilty of killing couple in their home

RALEIGH, NC (AP) – An 18-year-old man has been found guilty of gunning down a couple in their home because he mistakenly thought a rival gang member lived there.

Local media outlets report a Wake County jury convicted Jonathan Santillan on Friday of two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and gun charges.

Prosecutors say Jose and Maria Mendoza were home with their 3-year-old son on Jan. 5, 2013, when two masked teens kicked in their door and opened fire. Jose Mendoza was shot 16 times. His wife was shot seven times. Both were 34 years old. Their child was not injured.

Sentencing will start Monday. Santillan can’t face the death penalty because he was 15 at the time.

Santillan’s uncle also faces murder charges.

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