By Associated Press - Monday, September 26, 2016

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico State Police say two suspects have been arrested in connection with a homicide case.

They say 24-year-old Adrian Banda and 18-year-old Damika Childs both are being held on suspicion of an open count of murder and other charges.

It’s unclear if either Las Cruces resident has a lawyer yet.



State Police Investigation Bureau agents responded to the Dona Ana Mountains on Thursday about a reported aggravated battery and a vehicle fire.

They say the body of a man was found burned in the trunk of the car.

The body has since been identified as that of 20-year-old Johnny Ramirez of Las Cruces.

Police say a woman suffered received a stab wound to her neck, but escaped the vehicle fire.

She remains in stable condition at a Texas hospital.

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