ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — The burned remains of a mother missing since June 2019, when her children were found dead inside a burning home, have been identified.
- Maria Calderon-Martinez had not been seen since her house was burned with her two children found dead inside on June 15, 2019
- A medical examiner in Virginia identified her remains after she was found in a burned vehicle on Nov. 4, 2019
- Two men that were living with Martinez at the time are also still missing
The medical examiner in Roanoke, Virginia has positively identified the remains of Maria Calderon-Martinez, deputies announced Wednesday. According to authorities, Martinez's body was found in a burned vehicle on November 4, 2019 in Grayson County, Virginia.
In a release, the Alexander County Sheriff's Office said they are continuing to work with the medical examiner in Roanoke for further identification of Juan Carlos Mendez-Pena and Luis Fernando Sanchez.
Two suspects have been charged in connection to the June 15 incident. Areli Aguire-Avilez and Heidi Wolfe are each charged with three counts of first degree murder.
Martinez had not been seen since the day before officials say Avilez burned her home in the Sugarloaf community.
Fire investigators found her two children dead inside. Deputies originally thought Martinez's remains may be in the Catawba River or a nearby body of water.
Investigators say Juan Carlos Mendez-Pena and Luis Fernando Sanchez lived with Martinez. They are also still missing.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Alexander County Sheriff's Office at 828-632-1111.