Fabian Gamez, 30, of Tulare, has been charged with special circumstance murder for the stabbing deaths of two Tulare residents during an early morning burglary on Thursday, the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office announced in a Tuesday news release.

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Gamez is facing two counts of first-degree murder and a felony count of first-degree residential burglary, according to the news release.

Prosecutors have added special circumstance allegations, including multiple murders, committing the murders during a burglary, and the use of a deadly weapon.

They also allege the victims were vulnerable and that the crime involved planning and violent conduct.

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At his arraignment on Tuesday, Gamez entered a not guilty plea. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 8 in Department 18 of the Tulare County Superior Court, where a preliminary hearing conference will take place.

If convicted, Gamez could face either the death penalty or life in prison without parole, based on California’s sentencing laws, according to officials.

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The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Tulare Police Department at (559) 684-4290.