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Colorado Springs – Three more people have been arrested in connection with the Castle West apartment fire that killed two people and forced an estimated 300 people from their homes.

Patrick M. Lewis, 26, Eric M. Johnson, 24, and Sean Lovelace, 31, were arrested this week on suspicion of accessory to first-degree murder.

Two cousins, Gene Johnson, 36, and Derrick “Nicky” Johnson, 23, are being held on suspicion of first-degree murder for allegedly setting the fire that killed Joe Santoya, 52, of Arizona and Clemente Perez Salgado, 32, of Colorado Springs. Both men died of smoke inhalation.

Gene Johnson and Derrick Johnson have long criminal records. They are due back in court Tuesday.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department completed a second, thorough search of the 135-unit apartment building late Wednesday. No additional victims were found.

Colorado Springs police Lt. Rafael Cintron said he could not comment on the additional arrests because of a gag order signed Tuesday by Judge Thomas Kane that prohibits dissemination of information to the public.

Officials have not disclosed how the fire was started or whether an accelerant was used.

Derrick Johnson was arrested the day of the fire on suspicion of felony menacing for threatening his girlfriend, who was staying at Castle West, during a domestic disturbance. Police said the fire was related to the earlier domestic disturbance. Derrick Johnson’s girlfriend and her 6-month-old child were not injured in the blaze.

Staff writer Erin Emery can be reached at 719-522-1360 or eemery@denverpost.com.