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Man Arrested In Connection With Murder Of 2 Young Teens

FOUNTAIN, Colo. (CBS4) - Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the murder of two teenagers in El Paso County.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said Gustavo Marquez, 19, was taken into custody Sunday evening in connection with the double homicide.

Gustavo Marquez
Gustavo Marquez (credit: El Paso County Sheriff's Office)

Derek Greer, 15, and Natalie Partida, 16, were reportedly best friends from Colorado Springs, and both students at Coronado High School.

On March 12, a passerby discovered their bodies in Fountain near Pikes Peak International Raceway off Old Pueblo Road.

Derek Benjamin Greer, 15, and Natalie Partida, 16 murder fountain
Derek Greer, 15, and Natalie Partida, 16 (credit: El Paso County)

"Deputies arrived on scene and confirmed that a male and female were lying on the shoulder of the road deceased," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

According to the sheriff's office, Marquez was arrested on the charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and child abuse resulting in death.

FOUNTAIN MURDERS 12VO_frame_1212
(credit: CBS)

Marquez is being held at the Criminal Justice Center in Colorado Springs without bond.

It's not clear if anybody else was involved in the murders.

According to Colorado court records, Fountain police arrested Marquez in a separate case on Feb. 24 on suspicion of kidnapping, assault and child abuse. In that case, Marquez was granted $5,000 bond three days later on Feb. 27. Court records indicate he posted bond the same day.

Additional Information From The El Paso County Sheriff's Office

Anyone with information regarding this case can call the Sheriff's Office Tip Line at 719-520-6666 or 719-520-7777.

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