Just before 4pm on Friday, January 30, officers responded to reports of gunfire near Rainier Avenue South and South Henderson Street in Seattle. There, police discovered the two teenage victims with fatal bullet wounds, The Mirror reports.

Police say they administered emergency medical care to the victims until the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) arrived and assumed responsibility. 

Police declared both victims deceased at the scene.

Seattle Police Department said in a statement: "Seattle police detectives are investigating a double homicide in South Seattle this afternoon.

"Following the shooting, the suspect fled the area on foot before police arrived. Officers and deputies searched the area yet they did not find the suspect.

"Police cordoned off the area until homicide detectives and the Crime Scene Investigation Unit arrived to process the scene. The King County Medical Examiner (KCME) will take custody of the deceased. KCME will identify the victims.

"The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted."

In an email to families on Friday night, Seattle Public Schools identified the victims as "two teenagers believed to be Seattle Public Schools (SPS) students.

"The loss is almost impossible to put into words, and it is made even more painful by the reality that tragedies like this are becoming far too common in our communities," said SPS Superintendent Fred Podesta. "Our deepest condolences are with the students' families, friends, and all who knew and loved them."