Two dead in Corning home invasion; three other suspects at large

An attempted home invasion to steal marijuana from a Corning residence ended with one of the home’s occupants shooting and killing two of the robbery suspects Tuesday night, according to a news release from Tehama County Assistant Sheriff Phil Johnston.

Two men and a woman believed to be involved in the attempted home invasion were still on the run Wednesday.

The only physical description provided is that they are Hispanic. One of the men ran away while the other man and woman escaped in a 2006 white, four-door Dodge Charger that is lowered and possibly has tinted windows, according to the news release. No license plate number was given.

Around 6:15 p.m., there was a report of shots fired in the 3000 block of Highway 99 West.

Officers with the Corning Police Department, California Highway Patrol and Tehama County Sheriff’s Office responded and found two Hispanic men dead from gunshot wounds in the carport area. Investigators later determined the two men were part of the group that attempted to rob the home.

Detectives believe the group wanted to steal marijuana inside the home.

A woman, who was part of the group, came to the front door of the home and claimed that her car had broken down. That’s when Austreberto Valencia, 23, went out to help her and was approached by two people, one with a handgun, and he was forced to return to the home.

Also inside the home was Enrique Santamaria-Zepeda, 48, and Maria Isabel Valencia-Lepe, 44.

At some point, Valencia got a semi-automatic pistol and shot two of the would-be robbers, the news release said.

The two men who were killed have not been identified. A preliminary investigation revealed they died from gunshot wounds to the head, but autopsies are pending, the news release said.

A pistol and semi-automatic rifle were recovered from the scene.

Investigators are still working to confirm Valencia’s account of what happened, deputies said.

No arrests have been made and the investigation continues. Anyone with information can call the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office at 529-7920.

More: Low-income housing complex in Redding poised to get new owner and a $12 million renovation

More: 'Sobering Center' preparing to open in Redding in March as jail alternative

More: Massive wind farm project planned in eastern Shasta County, but neighbors skeptical