The two victims in a double shooting homicide earlier this week in Banning have been identified as residents of the city.

Kristine Stokes, 31, and Frederick Darden, 35, were found dead at 9:18 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, inside a residence in the 1400 block of High Street on the city’s east side, according to a Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s news release posted late Thursday, Dec. 10.

Michael Carl Camper Jr., 28, of Banning, has been charged with murder in the deaths. He made his first appearance in court at the Banning Justice Center on Wednesday, Dec. 9, but his arraignment on the charges was continued to Jan. 6, according to court records.

If he is found guilty, Camper also faces a special allegation and potential sentencing enhancement because in 2008 he was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, activity done in furtherance of a criminal street gang, according to the complaint.

Camper and the two victims knew each other and police don’t yet know the motive for the crimes, said Banning detective Sgt. Ray Arretche by phone. One victim lived at the home where the two victims were found dead when police went to the home at about 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

Police found Camper at another home in the 600 block of West Christie Street near downtown Banning. Police aided by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies surrounded the home when Camper would not come out. Arretche said Camper surrendered peacefully after about an hour.

Another friend lived at the Christie Street house but Camper was the only one in the house during the stand off.

Camper was held without bail at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, according to jail records.

Arretche said any witnesses with information about the crime who have not already talked to police are asked to contact Banning police at 951-849-1771.