Just from their names I am making a wild guess that they were not innocent victims. Unusual lack of details in the story.
I don't think there are any details at all. Supposedly they had a 7 AM flight. That means they needed to checkin around 6 AM to make sure they would catch the flight. News articles don't mention when they left for the airport. Did they drive, catch a Uber/cab, or have a family member drop them off.
Wild guess. Involved in drug distribution and crossed the wrong people.