Calgary police have arrested three men in connection with a cold case that dates back to 2008.

The three men are in custody, charged with first degree murder in the death of Juan Carlos Dequina.

Two of the suspects were arrested in Calgary and a third was picked up in British Columbia.

In December 2008, Tsuu T'ina patrol officers discovered Dequina, 21, dead inside his vehicle at 53 St. and 146 Ave. S.W.

Police say J.C. Dequina was an innocent victim who was lured to his death by people he knew.

Kenneth Jacob Tingle, 30, of Edmonton, Neil Lee Yakimchuk, 30, of Calgary and Fredy Alex Beltran, 31, of Calgary, were charged with first-degree murder early Thursday morning.

J.C. Dequina's family says they miss him terribly and that they are distraught that one of the accused was considered a friend of the family.

"He was like a son for me, he's been a friend to J.C. too and do a lot of things, he even helped J.C. build our garage storage," said Alfredo Dequina.

"I know my son is not coming back anymore, he's not coming back and I really miss him," said Adela Dequina.

Dequina met the three accused through his girlfriend and Yakimchuk was often a guest in the family's home.