Two 16-year-olds, Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark, were found shot to death in a wooded area in Juneau, Alaska, on August 31, hours after they were reported missing.
Juneau police discovered the teenagers in a wooded area above the Glacier Highway. Preliminary information indicates both juveniles died from gunshot wounds, according to a statement from the Juneau Police Department. A firearm was found at the scene, but authorities have not yet determined who fired it or the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Phillips was last seen leaving his residence on Kanata Street shortly before 6 a.m. on August 31. Clark was reported missing from her home on Teal Street a few hours later. Police stated at the time that the teenagers were believed to be together and warned the public they might be in possession of a firearm and should not be approached.
The bodies were discovered around 3 p.m. They will be sent to the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage for autopsy. The investigation is ongoing.
A relative of Phillips posted on Facebook, stating, "It is with a heavy, heavy heart that our family is grieving tremendously over this devastating loss. The Deitshetaan family has just been updated that the young man who was found deceased today - is our Leo Phillips. Please keep our family uplifted in prayer. We definitely will be needing them."
The Juneau School District announced that support and counseling services will be made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy. The Juneau Police Department extended its condolences to the families, friends, classmates, and others impacted by the loss.