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Boys die in crash of stolen car
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Two teenagers were killed early Monday when a stolen vehicle they were riding in crashed into a tree at River and Moffet roads.

Two other boys riding in the car, 15 and 16 years of age, survived and are being charged with crimes. Sgt. Joe Berber of the Ceres Police Department said that the 16-year-old driver is being charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter and possession of a stolen vehicle. The 15-year-old is being charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and conspiracy. Both juveniles were medically cleared and booked into Juvenile Hall.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. in the 2600 block of River Road when the driver of the stolen Honda Accord lost control traveling westbound, hit a curb, sheared off a fire hydrant and tipped the vehicle into a tree. The car was on two wheels with the rear passenger compartment crushed and pinned against a tree. Both boys, both 15 years old, sitting in the rear seat were killed instantly.

The two uninjured occupants got out of the car and were found in the area.

The Accord had been stolen from a home on Ridlon Lane, probably Sunday evening.

Police would not release the names of the four occupants. The deceased teens were identified by the coroner's office as Johnny Lopez, 15, of Modesto, and Jose Beltran, 15. Both victim, who lived within miles of the crash site, attended Johansen High School in Modesto.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision or has any information that could assist in the investigation is urged to call Officer Trinidad Viramontes, 538-5620.