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Deputies think hunters could help find body of slain Alexander Co. mom

ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — Alexander County deputies are still searching for a mother they believe was killed and dumped in the Catawa River four months ago.

As rifle season approaches, Channel 9's Dave Faherty learned deputies are hoping hunters could help find Maria Calderon Martinez's body.

Deputies said they have been searching for Martinez since June 15 after Areli Aguirre Avilez and his 16-year old girlfriend, Heidi Wolf, set a fire at her home and two bodies were found inside.

The bodies were identified as her children, 11-year-old Angel E. Pacheco and 12-year-old America D. Pacheco.

In court documents, Wolfe admitted to going to the home with Avilez where she told investigators he killed two people inside, and she ran over a third person who tried to run from the residence.

Authorities searched the Catawba River for days trying to find Martinez, but nothing has turned up.

Prosecutors have announced they are planning on seeking the death penalty against Avilez, but attorneys told Faherty they are unable to do that against Wolf because of her age.

In addition to Martinez, deputies are looking for Juan Carlos Mendez-Pena and Luis Fernando Sanchez, who were both last seen in the Sugar Loaf Community in Alexander County.

(Luis Fernando Sanchez, left; Juan Carlos Mendez-Pena, middle; Maria Calderon Martinez, right)

Authorities said Sanchez and Mendez-Pena both work construction, but have not been seen or contacted family or friends since June 14.

After the fire on June 15, detectives said they were hoping to find and speak with Mendez-Pena and Sanchez, who were identified as acquaintances of Martinez. They are not considered suspects.

Deputies said Mendez-Pena drives a 2009 4-door Chevrolet Silverado that is dark blue in color.

If you have any information, deputies said to call the Alexander County Sheriff's Office at 828-632-1111 or 828-632-2900. You can also call Alexander County CrimeStopper at 828-632-8555.

Crimestoppers said they are offering a reward for information that leads to finding any of the three missing people.

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