Authorities identified the second teenager killed in Friday’s Rainier Beach double homicide as 18-year-old Tyjon Malik Stewart, as community groups mobilize to prevent further violence and a $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest.
The King County Medical Examiner previously identified one victim as 17-year-old Traveiah Houfmuse. Both were students at Rainier Beach High School. Investigators said Houfmuse was shot multiple times, while Stewart died from a gunshot wound to the neck. The shooting occurred in front of South Shore PreK-8 school, blocks from Rainier Beach High School. No arrests have been made.
Seattle police have not said whether the shooting was gang-related, citing the ongoing investigation. “I’m not going to comment on any connections that there may be for the integrity of the case,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said. “Our officers and detectives are working very, very hard on it.”
As the investigation continues, community groups have stepped in to help prevent further violence. The Progress Pushers, a Federal Way-based nonprofit focused on community violence intervention, sent staff and resources to Rainier Beach following the shooting. The organization held a community circle on Feb. 3 to emphasize unity, healing, and shared responsibility.
Jeremy Winzer, the group’s director of community violence intervention, said he has known both victims since second grade through school and basketball programs. He urged the public to avoid labeling the teens and instead focus on prevention and healing. “Nobody in any community wants this. We don’t want to hear stories like this anymore.” Winzer voiced concerns about potential retaliation, citing social media posts circulating after the shooting that appear to show teens holding guns at memorials for the victims.
Seattle police said they are increasing their presence in Rainier Beach. The department’s mobile precinct will remain in the neighborhood for at least three months, an extension from the original one-week plan. The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation announced Wednesday it is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. “Violence thrives in silence. We believe community members deserve safe ways to come forward, and families deserve answers.”
