The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is currently conducting an investigation into the tragic deaths of two 16-year-old boys whose bodies were discovered along Interstate 5 in Seattle. Officials have confirmed that the homicides are related and that both teenagers were fatally shot.
The first victim was found deceased on Thursday night, while the second victim was located about a quarter-mile away less than 10 hours later on Friday morning. WSP Trooper Rick Johnson stated that detectives have determined that the two teenagers knew each other, after speaking with their family members.
The series of events began when a 911 call was received around 10:40 p.m. on Thursday, reporting a pedestrian being hit on northbound I-5 near North 85th Street. Upon arrival, troopers discovered that the 16-year-old in question had not been struck by a vehicle, but rather had suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
The following morning, another caller reported seeing a body in a ditch along the I-5 on-ramp at North 85th Street, just north of Green Lake. Troopers promptly responded and confirmed that the second victim, also a 16-year-old boy, had also been fatally shot. At this stage, it is too early to determine the exact sequence of events or the location of the shootings. Both cases are being treated as homicides, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to gather evidence and identify potential suspects.
On Friday evening, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office released information stating that one of the teenagers’ cause of death was “multiple gunshot wounds.” Investigators are still unable to confirm if the shootings occurred on the freeway or elsewhere. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation. The Washington State Patrol has set up a dedicated hotline for tips related to this case and encourages anyone with relevant information to call.