Leotis Phillips & Zoey Clark, two missing Juneau, Alaska teens romantically involved found dead from gunshot wounds in suspected suicide-pact after gun found near the couple’s bodies.
Two love struck 16-year-olds who went missing in Juneau, Alaska were found dead in nearby woods close to their individual family residences. The cause of death was reported to be from bullet wounds. It remained unclear if the boyfriend and girlfriend had made a pact to take their own lives.
The bodies of Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark were discovered in a wooded area above the 6800 block of Glacier Highway, a coastal road in the state’s capital city, the The Juneau Police Department announced in a release.
The teenagers were found on Monday, Aug. 31, at around 2:25 p.m., after they’d been reported missing that morning, police said in the release.
Alaskan native and Juneau girlfriend found dead
‘Preliminary information indicates that both juveniles died from gunshot wounds. A firearm was located at the scene. Their bodies will be sent to the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage for autopsy,’ the release noted.
‘The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time,’ police confirmed.
In an earlier post, officials said that Phillips, an Alaskan native had been reported missing from his residence on Kanata Street at around 5:52 a.m. on Monday morning, while Clark was reported missing from her home on Teal Street a few hours later at around 8:49 a.m.
Police said at the time that the teenagers were believed to be together and may have been in possession of a firearm.
In the aftermath of the teens’ deaths, the Juneau School District was planning ‘to make support and counseling services available to students and staff affected by this tragedy.’
The updated post concluded, ‘The Juneau Police Department extends its condolences to the families, friends, classmates, and others affected by this loss.’
The release stated, ‘Leotis is described as an Alaska Native male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing between 140 and 160 [lbs.].’
‘He has long black hair, which he usually wears in a ponytail, and brown eyes. Leotis typically wears a purple bandana around his neck, a black hooded sweatshirt, and brown pants,’ police shared.
Forbidden relationship?
Police declined to comment on whether the young couple’s deaths were murder-suicide related or that of a suicide pact. Not immediately clear is whether the boy’s status as an indigineous Alaskan had any bearing on mental health issues and the couple’s relationship or allegations of racism.
Candlelight vigil and young couple’s ‘search for peace’
The teens’ bodies were sent to Anchorage for an autopsy by the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office.
A candlelight vigil was held for the teens at the school’s campus, where the pair was remembered as sweethearts who loved each other and their families.
‘The happiest I saw him was with her,’ Clark’s cousin, Ariah Clark, said at the vigil, according to KTOO. ‘Through all the things she’s been through, he’s been there. I believe they both were hurting, and that their last moments were peaceful.’
‘The only comfort I think any of us can find at this point is that they weren’t alone and they found peace in those last moments together,’ Clark added. ‘They wouldn’t want any of us to continue to suffer because that was not their goal and intention.’
Posted the local Zach Gordon Youth Center in the aftermath, ‘If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please get help. Call or text 988 and please tell an adult.’
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