Report: Teens Killed Man Found in Burning SUV Over Bad Business Deal

The Long Beach resident whose body was found in a burning SUV in Rancho Palos Verdes near the end of April argued before his death with the two teens charged with his murder, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Compton resident Jose Angel Martinez, 18, and Long Beach resident Adrian Berumen, 17, are charged with murder and arson in connection with the killing of Christopher Waters on April 23. Berumen, who approached Long Beach police and asked to speak with homicide investigators on April 27, has been charged as an adult. He will turn 18 in June.

"The victim was doing some graphic artist work for the suspects' silk screening business when the argument occurred," said Lt. Holly Francisco of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told the Times.

Authorities believe that Martinez and Berumen killed Waters in Long Beach, then drove the SUV to the 30100 block of Miraleste Drive and set it on fire with the victim inside. Waters was found with his feet bound and a cord around his neck.

Martinez was arrested Wednesday and arraigned Friday; bail was set at $1 million, according to the LASD's Inmate Information Center. Berumen, who is currently being held without bail, will be arraigned May 21.

• Full story: Teens Kill Man, Burn Body in SUV Over Bad Business Deal, Cops Say [Los Angeles Times] 

Previously:

• Update: Burned Body Found in SUV Identified
• Autopsy Conducted on Body Found in Burned SUV
• Teen Arrested in Connection With Body Found in Burned SUV
• 2nd Suspect Arrested in Death of Man Found in Burning SUV