Former teammates found dead in burned car shot dead, authorities say

Two former high school swimmers found dead in a car burned earlier this week in upstate New York State were shot dead, authorities said, describing the deaths as likely a targeted attack .

No official cause of death has yet been determined for Alexander Allen Cease Burrow, 20, and Bruce Kane, 18, reported Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

Their bodies were found Monday morning behind a warehouse in Hamlin, New York, when a company chief called 911 to report a Ford Focus burned in front of his building, WHAM-TV reported.

Meanwhile, the police were looking to speak with the driver of a dark colored van that turned around near a convenience store during the hours when the crime could have occurred.

"Because of the store's proximity to crime, we want to talk to this driver about this vehicle and see if maybe they've seen anything extraordinary that could help us in this investigation," said Vice President Michael Fowler. Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

"Because of the store's proximity to crime, we want to talk to this driver about this vehicle and see if maybe they've seen anything out of the ordinary that could help us in this investigation."

– Assistant to Chief Michael Fowler, Monroe County Sheriff's Office

The police do not believe that the driver was involved in the homicides.

Flowler said he was unaware of any criminal activity in the area and said the deaths appeared to be an "isolated incident".

The two victims were teammates of the Brockport High School swim team, setting a record at a 2016 competition at the 200 meter freestyle relay.

Burrow graduated in 2016 and Kane in June.

Kane was a swimmer of All-Greater Rochester section twice and broke three pool records as a member of the school's relay team.

The Brockport Central School District tweeted his condolences on Wednesday.

"We are saddened to learn the loss of two former students. Bruce Kane graduated from BHS last June and Alex Burrow in 2016. We offer our sincere condolences to the families, friends and all those affected by this tragedy. The counselors will be available all week.

Burrow's brother, Shane Cease, told the Democrat & Chronicle that his brother was preparing to begin his second year at the University of Buffalo this fall.

"He was the light of everyone's world," Cease said. "The kid was ready to give you his shirt from his back."

A watch for both men is scheduled for Sunday.