By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Seattle police arrested a juvenile suspect in connection with the Jan. 30 shooting that killed two students near Rainier Beach High School.
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes announced the arrest during a press conference Tuesday afternoon at Seattle Police Department headquarters, emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing and urging the public to come forward with additional information.
“When people come forward or anonymously and give us information and help to pull us in the right direction, it does help with an investigation,” says Barnes. “I think it definitely signals that our community is fed up with certain types of crimes and certain types of violence and they’re willing to step up. And it also signals that we’re doing better in the category that I think matters most to my job, which is community trust.”
Barnes said the suspect is a juvenile male, and because the case involves a minor, state law prevents police from releasing details about the suspect or how detectives identified and apprehended the individual. Barnes added that the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged anyone with information to contact police.
Police said the shooting occurred Jan. 30 at about 4 p.m. near Rainier Avenue South and South Henderson Street, close to Rainier Beach High School. Police believe the shooting was targeted, and the suspect fled the scene.
The victims were identified as 17-year-old Traveiah Houfmuse and 18-year-old Tyjon Stewart, both students enrolled in Seattle Public Schools.
Following the shooting, Seattle Public Schools notified families and staff.
“It is with profound heartbreak that I share the devastating news of the death of two teenagers believed to be Seattle Public Schools (SPS) students, who were tragically shot at a bus stop near South Shore PreK-8 today after school. The district is working with the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to confirm all details,” the message said in part.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, who also attended the press conference, thanked investigators and spoke about the impact of the tragedy on the community.
“I want to thank the Seattle Police Department for their determination and hard work on this very difficult case,” says Wilson. “I attended one of the vigils for these two young people, and there was family members and fellow students who knew them and loved them. These were children with their whole lives ahead of them. No one should lose their lives at that age, and no one should have to go through this kind of grief. What I’ve heard from the community is that we need to do more to support Rainier Beach.”
“Gun violence has taken too many young people from us, leaving behind families and scarred communities. Our kids deserve to know that they are safe in and around school. Families deserve to know that their kids will come home safe at the end of the school day,” Wilson continued. “And it’s our responsibility to help make that a reality. We know that gun violence is a regional problem, and I know that this work has to be led in our neighborhoods by families, schools, churches, and community organizations. And it requires government partners to support that community leadership.”
Police are asking anyone with information to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.
