Two 16-year-olds were killed in a shooting in an empty storefront that had been turned into a makeshift club in a Houston strip mall.
Police said five people were shot Saturday night. One of which, a 16-year-old boy, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 16-year-old girl later died at the hospital, as reported by KPRC.
A 13-year-old girl is also reported to be in critical condition, as reported by KHOU.
"[Officers] saw a very hectic scene, a large crowd of people running out of a makeshift club. It's kind of like one of these last-minute parties, pop-up parties that have been popping up lately. It's kind of like a social media deal. Seems like the crowd was a majority of juveniles," Assistant Chief Luis Menendez-Sierra said at a news conference, as reported by KTRK.
Police asked the public for help with the investigation, as since the building where the party was held was empty, obtaining surveillance footage has proved to be difficult.
"Since it's non-sanctioned and they're not under any regulations ... there's nothing guarding it. Nothing to make sure it's a legit establishment," Menendez-Sierra told reporters.
"It's a tragedy. I feel for the families. We ought to keep them in our prayers. We lost some young people tonight that was very preventable if they didn't come to locations such as this," Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in an appearance at the news conference.
Originally published by Latin Times.
