OAKLAND (CBS / AP) -- A man described by authorities as a high-ranking member of a violent prison gang has been charged in the stabbing deaths of a man and woman who were found dead inside a burning Oakland apartment last month.

Henry Cervantes was being held without bail after being charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of 73-year-old Johnny Gilbert Navaerette, and 56-year-old Renee Washington.

Investigators believe the 47-year-old Cervantes killed Navaerette and Washington on Sept. 11 because he thought they had injured a relative of his at the apartment.

The nature of the relative's injuries were not clear, but police say the injuries were sustained in an accident. The name of the relative has not been released.

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