HOUSTON — Two teens who were about to celebrate Thanksgiving with family members were found shot to death Thursday in west Houston, according to the Houston Police Department.
The victims were 18 and 17 and were cousins, HPD Detective C. Flora said. They were gunned down just after midnight in a courtyard of an apartment complex on Southlake Drive near Briar Forest.
Family members told police they were outside in the courtyard when they heard the shots.
The 18-year-old, identified by relatives as President Wynn, died at the scene. The younger victim was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital but he didn't survive, either. Police did not release his name because family members were still being notified.
“Very sad and tragic, very young, just visiting their family, you know, hate to see that happen,” Flora said. “But we’re gonna do everything we can, hopefully, get to the bottom of it.”
The shooter -- or shooters -- got away. Police are hoping to find surveillance video to help identify them.
“It’s not clear what the motive was in the shooting," Flora said.
A resident said he didn't know the victims but violence isn't unusual at the complex.
"You grow up around violence and it’s all you know. You get used to it, eventually," Tim Wigley said.
He became emotional when he learned two teens had died.
“I’m so sorry to the family and to the victims," Wigley said.