Arrests made nearly two months after man found dead in burning car

PHOENIX — Nearly two months after a Valley man was found dead after a car fire in a Phoenix canal, two brothers have been arrested and charged in connection with his murder.

Around 6:40 a.m. on April 1, Phoenix police officers were called to a car fire in a canal near the intersection of 55th Avenue and Osborn Road.

After firefighters extinguished the fire and the car was pulled from the canal, investigators discovered a dead man inside. He was later identified as 26-year-old José De Jesus Loeza.

On Saturday, police announced that they had arrested two men in connection with this case: José Lomeli, 40, and Roberto Lomeli, 35. The two are brothers.

José Lomeli was charged with second-degree murder and Roberto Lomeli was charged with related crimes, but police did not say what those were.

Police have not released any further information about the arrests.

Loeza's family has created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs. If you would like to make a donation, click here.

This is a developing story and more details will be added as they become available.

>> Download it 12News application for the latest local news straight to your phone.

Now you can watch 12News content anytime, anywhere with the 12News+ app!

12News' free 12News+ app allows users to stream live events, including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday” — on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

12News+ features live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather, and even an occasional moment of zen featuring breathtaking views from across Arizona.

Users can also watch on-demand videos about breaking news, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.”

Amazon Fire TV: Search “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV via Amazon.com or the Amazon app.

Keep up to date with the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.