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Suspect in El Paso County teens' murder: 'I hope no one thinks I'm a bad person'

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is looking for two more suspects involved in a double homicide. 

Ten people are charged in the the murders of Derek Greer,15, and Natalie Partida, 16. They were found dead on the side of the road in rural El Paso County March 12.

Denver7 spoke Wednesday with one of the murder suspects via video phone. 

Joseph Arthur Rodriguez, 18, is facing two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree kidnapping, aggravated robbery and child abuse charges. 

Rodriguez told Denver7 he was at home the night the two teens were killed, and he has witnesses to prove it. 

He admitted his past involvement in gangs, but was on a path to leaving the lifestyle behind. 

During the conversation with Denver7, Rodriguez wanted to send a message to the victims' families.

"My condolences go to the victims' families," Rodriguez said. "I hope no one thinks I'm a bad person once I'm clear of the charges."

Rodriguez plans to plead not guilty to his charges. 

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office says the investigation continues. They declined to release anymore details.

"We've had engagement from the community, and we've had compassion from the community and understanding, because we haven't been able to release a lot of the investigation," spokesperson Jacqueline Kirby said.

Kirby added they plan to release more details once the office makes two more arrests. 

 

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