Authorities identified one of two teenagers killed in Friday’s shooting near Rainier Beach High School as 17-year-old Traveiah Houfmuse, while police continue searching for a suspect who fled on foot after the attack.
Houfmuse died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. The name of the second student has not yet been released. The shooting occurred at the intersection of Rainier Ave. S. and S. Henderson St., near Rainier Beach High School, just after classes dismissed Friday afternoon. Both teens were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect fled on foot before police arrived. Officers searched the area with assistance from a King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and SPD K-9 units but did not locate the suspect. Seattle Police Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis said finding the killer requires help from witnesses in the area. “We truly believe that people saw what happened here. We can’t figure this out without your help. Please, if you have information or you witnessed what happened, call us.”
Davis described the scene as chaotic and emotional when officers arrived. “We did have to hold some people back. There was an injury involved,” he said. One officer appeared to be injured and was taken away on a gurney, though the officer was conscious and upright. The shooting is believed to have been targeted, though an investigation is underway.
“We spend a lot of time working with members of the community to figure out how we can keep people safe,” Davis said. “Anytime something like this happens, it’s heartbreaking, because it’s not a true reflection of what this neighborhood is.” There is currently a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.
