Two teenage girls are dead in what police are calling an apparent murder-suicide that took place just after midnight Sunday in Akron, Ohio.
Authorities say 18-year-old Kayla Johnson and 17-year-old Janaya Miller were found with fatal gunshot wounds to the head near South Hawkins Avenue and Peckham Street. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, according to local reports.
The Summit County Medical Examiner has ruled Johnson’s death a homicide and Miller’s death a suicide. While details are still emerging, it remains unclear what led up to the deadly encounter or how the two teens knew each other.
Miller was a student at North High School in the Akron Public Schools system, while Johnson was a recent graduate, the district confirmed in a statement.
“Our entire school community is heartbroken by the loss of these young lives,” the district said. “Our thoughts are with the families, friends, classmates, and all those who knew and loved them both.”
Officials emphasized that the tragedy was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community or to students. Grief counselors have been made available at schools to support students and staff.
Police responded to the scene after reports of gunfire in the area. Autopsies were scheduled for Monday to confirm official causes of death.
As the community grapples with the loss, many are left with unanswered questions — and a deep sense of sorrow over two young lives cut tragically short.
They still make tires in Akron???