2 teens, including uncle of victim, arrested in slaying of Freedom High School student

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Two teenagers, one of whom is the victim's uncle, have been arrested in the killing of a 17-year-old Freedom High School student, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Justin Machado was found shot to death Jan. 9 at his Lynchburg Court home near South John Young Parkway and Deerfield Boulevard, deputies said.

He was last seen alive at school. The home where his body was found is about a 10-minute drive from campus.

Mandy Machado, 17, and Joswanny Cepeda, 16, were arrested Tuesday. The faced a judge at 1:30 p.m.

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Mandy Machado is the victim’s uncle. He’s facing charges of manslaughter with a firearm, destruction of evidence and giving false information to law enforcement.

Cepeda is facing charges of destruction of evidence and false information to law enforcement.

Justin Machado was described by his classmates as an outgoing junior who played on Freedom High School's baseball team.

Classmate Oliver Bauvil told Channel 9 that Justin Machado's death took a toll on students

"People made T-shirts to remember his name, so I believe Justin made a great effect at the school," he said. "People really cared about him."

Cepeda was one of Justin Machado's closest friends, Bauvil said.

"(He) was like a brother to him," he said. "(They were) really close."

Bauvil said he hopes the arrests bring the victim's family a sense of closure.

"This is, like, a sense of relief," he said.

The victim's family released the following statement:

"At this time, we want to thank the Orange County Sheriff’s Office -- specifically, the dedicated law enforcement officers of Zone 45 as well as the Homicide Division -- for their professionalism and diligence throughout this investigation. We also want to thank the community for its outpouring of love and support throughout this painful process. With the investigation complete, it is now incumbent upon the state attorney’s office to prosecute this senseless crime to the fullest extent of the law. We will not rest until we secure justice for Justin."

The suspects were booked into the Juvenile Assessment Center Tuesday.

Cox Media Group