Two people, including a University of Alabama student, and a dog have been found dead inside a home they were looking after in Brookwood, Alabama, with police arresting a suspect who was later discovered hiding in the property's attic.

Authorities identified the victims as 22-year-old Jazmine Alexis Bates, a business administration and management student at the University of Alabama, and 31-year-old Jose Felix Alvarez-Duenas. Investigators allege they were killed by 24-year-old De'Kendrick Crawford on Monday.

According to investigators, officers were called to the home to conduct a welfare check after Alvarez-Duenas failed to respond to repeated phone calls and text messages. He had been pet-sitting for a colleague who was out of the country.

The homeowner became concerned after checking her security cameras and spotting a suspicious individual on her property. When officers arrived, they found Alvarez-Duenas dead near the front entrance. A further search of the house led to the discovery of Bates' body inside a closet in a back bedroom. The dog they had been caring for was also found dead.

Police said Crawford was arrested about 10 hours later after an extensive search of the property. Investigators found him hiding in the attic following a four-hour tactical operation involving drones, K-9 units, tear gas and forced entry into parts of the house.

Authorities said the motive for the killings remains unknown. Investigators noted there is no evidence that either victim had done anything to provoke the attack, and those who knew the suspect have been unable to explain why they were targeted. Police added that the homeowner was acquainted with both victims and the suspect through work.

Crawford has been charged with capital murder involving the deaths of two or more people, an offence that carries a possible sentence of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty under Alabama law.

Paying tribute to her brother, Alvarez-Duenas' sister, Juana Gutierrez Salas, described him as a kind, dependable and compassionate person who was always willing to help others. She said he lived life with enthusiasm and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.