North Carolina

Suspects in slaying of parents, 5-year-old son switched stolen cars, deputies say

WHITEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities say suspects in the targeted killing of a North Carolina family have dumped a stolen getaway car and are now believed to be traveling in another stolen vehicle.

Citing a Columbus County sheriff's statement , news outlets report the three were killed in a targeted attack early Saturday.

The sheriff's office says deputies responded that morning to a report of gunshot victims at a home near Whiteville and found four wounded people. It says the fourth victim was hospitalized and expected to survive.

WWAY-TV reports authorities identified the dead as 5-year-old Alexis Cipiran Trujillo, 25-year-old Nancy Trujillo Espinoza and 29-year-old Leonel Cipiran Noyola. Reports identify the wounded person as Alexis' grandmother, 51-year-old Rafaela Noyola Jaramillo.

Authorities say the suspects reportedly fled in a victim's silver 2011 Ford Fusion, which has a state license plate that reads PFH-6923.

A Columbus County sheriff's statement says deputies responded Monday to a report of a Chevrolet Silverado near Whiteville stolen by suspects whose description matches the suspects in Saturday's attack.

Officials said a victim's Ford Fusion was found in the area where the Silverado was stolen.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: