Mercedes Mercy Rodas, 49, and her husband Carlos Rafael Rodas Perez, 52, were found dead from gunshot wounds on December 8, 2020, in the garage of their Beach Park home near Zion, Illinois. Sheriff’s deputies and first responders pronounced both victims dead at the scene; the Lake County Coroner confirmed gunshot wounds as the cause of death.

Investigators determined the incident was a double homicide, not a murder-suicide. Detectives allege the killings occurred during a botched carjacking. Two men from Waukegan, Derenell Hill, 35, and Timothy Triplett, 34, were arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Authorities say a firearm stolen from Carlos Rodas Perez was recovered in an apartment where Hill had been staying.

The Lake County State’s Attorney has said the charges carry possible life sentences. The family described Mercedes and Carlos as hardworking and honest people whose lives were senselessly cut short. If anyone has information about the case or the events that night, please share what is known.