4 sentenced in 2009 deaths of Greer couple

GREER, S.C. (AP) — Four of the people charged in 2009 deaths of a Spartanburg couple have been sentenced to prison.

Jose Reyes Arevalos, Edgar Pineda, Juan Carlos Vazquez and Rudis Arnoldo Ventura had previously pleaded guilty to charges related to the deaths of Hugo Del-Carmen Lugo Hernandez and Teresa DeJesus Avilla Martinez.

Family members found the couple shot to death at their Greer home in January 2009. Prosecutors say the deaths were part of an apparent shake down attempt for stolen drugs and money.

Vazquez and Ventura were sentenced to life in prison on charges including accessory after the fact of murder. Arevalos was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Pineda will serve 15 years.

An Atlanta woman was sentenced to 50 years for arranging the deaths. Authorities are still seeking two men.