MORGANTON, N.C. -- Roommates of two men shot during a deadly home invasion believe they were targeted for their ethnicity, and Morganton police agree.

Gaspar Torres said he and the four men he lived with on Jones Street got paid on Friday afternoon, and several hours later, two armed men forced their way into the home in what police believe was a robbery attempt. A struggle ensued and the attackers fired several shots.

Pedro Ramirez was shot and killed and Manual Vargas was also injured.

Torres said he believes their home was targeted because all the roommates are Hispanic, and the robbers probably thought they had a lot of cash. Investigators said such home invasions involving Hispanics probably happen more than they know because illegal immigrants are afraid to report them to authorities.

Torres said he and the other men just came to the states looking for a better life.

Marcus Ramirez set up a candle to burn in the room where the two men were shot. He said he’ll miss his friend.

Police are looking for a tall, thin black man who was armed with a rifle and a thin white man with dirty blond hair who was carrying a pistol. Anyone with information is asked to call Morganton Public Safety at (828) 437-1211.

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