Recent high school graduate shot to death, two men charged with his murder, cops say

A recent high school graduate was found shot to death in Texas and now police say two men have been arrested in connection to his murder.

Around 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 28, police in San Marcos, Texas, said they responded to reports of someone being shot. At the scene, they found 19-year-old Lavonte Benford, who was pronounced dead.

An investigation started and police believe the homicide was drug-related, KXAN reported.

Suspects were determined and 17-year-old Lukas Javier Perez and 25-year-old Michael Brandon Torres were arrested and booked into the Hays County Jail on Dec. 7 and Dec. 4, respectively, police said.

Perez has been charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, authorities said. Torres was charged with murder. They remain in jail with a $550,000 and $500,000 bond, respectively.

Manor High School Head Football Coach and Athletics Director James Keller told KXAN that Benford was living in San Marcos with his brother and had a goal of becoming a welder.