2 dead in baptism party stabbings

Two men leaving a baptism party were fatally stabbed and two others were injured when the four got into an argument with another group outside a Pennsauken restaurant early yesterday.

Police say that Jacobo Medina, 21, and Javier Medina, 22, were killed outside La Hacienda restaurant, at Westfield and Merchantville avenues, about 2:30 a.m. The two men are not related.

A third stabbing victim was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where he remained in fair condition yesterday. A fourth man received minor injuries.

The victims and other celebrants at the party were hanging out in front of the restaurant afterward when they began arguing with another group and a brawl ensued, cops said. The suspects fled before police arrived.

Anyone with information on the violence is urged to contact Camden County Prosecutor's Office Investigator Jeff Long at 856-225-8400 or Pennsauken Police Detective Phil Olivo at 856-488-0080.

- Natalie Pompilio