SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend double murder have identified one of the victims as 43-year-old Saren Negrete-Perez of California, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. The sheriff's office has not released the name of the male victim.
Just after 5 a.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call in the 4400 block of south Rock Road in rural Sedgwick County, according to Blick.
At the scene, first responders found 42-year-old David Baeza of Wichita on the side of the road suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Colonel Brian White with the sheriff's department. EMS transported Baeza to an area hospital for treatment.
During an additional search of the rural property, deputies found a man andNegrete-Perez deceased in the backyard of a residence the 4300 block of South Rock Road. They died from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims did not live at this location, according to White.
While processing the scene, investigators found 43-year-old Joseph Ponse Jr. of Wichita. Deputies booked him on requested charges of first degree murder and a Kansas Department of Corrections arrest and detain order, according to White.
After he was released from the hospital and interviewed, deputies booked Baeza on requested charges of first-degree murder.
Investigators still have individuals they want to interview in connection with the case, according to White. "This was not a random act and drug activity is believed involved."