The Alameda County Sheriff's Office says technology played a critical role in solving the case. Investigators served a search warrant to LetGo so they could see who Carlos had been speaking with over the app to sell his phone.
Officials said a man named Daniel Carlos was murdered in a gas station parking lot located at 159th and East 14th streets in San Leandro on Nov. 18.
They added that Carlos went to the gas station to meet with a person and sell an iPhone. During that meeting, officials said his iPhone was stolen and he was fatally shot.
[Ads /]
Alameda County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Jordan Patton, 18, of San Francisco and Marcus Fortune, 18, of San Leandro.
"Ultimately that communication was very important to us because he left a digital footprint but so did the suspects," said Sgt. Ray Kelly.
Sgt. Kelly said a witness who saw the getaway vehicle was also critical in the investigation.
Fortune and Patton knew each other and had previously played high school football together according to investigators.
"It's just really sad that these two men decided to take this course in life when they had so many opportunities," said Sgt. Kelly.
Daniel Carlos leaves behind a 5-year-old daughter, wife, brother and parents.
The Alameda County District Attorney said both suspects face murder charges in Carlos' death.
[Ads /]
Police are asking anyone with further information about this incident to contact the Alameda County Sheriff's Office at 510 667-3636.