Vigil held for two teen girls shot, killed in Burien

Two teenage girls are dead after a shooting outside of a Burien apartment complex Wednesday night.

Family members of the victims identify them as Eveona Cortez, 19, and Elizabeth Juarez, 13.

Officers were called to a report of a shooting on Ambaum Boulevard Southwest near Southwest 139th Street after 9:30 p.m. King County detectives say they believe the shooting is gang related.

Deputies said when they arrived, it was a chaotic scene, with people running everywhere.

The King County Sheriff's Office said the two girls were taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition but later died from their injuries.

“There’s too much of the young generation dying,” said Sylvia Savon, who is friends with Eveona’s family and knew the teen.

Others at the vigil also they’re worried about gang violence in Burien but only Savon would talk about it on camera.

“There’s is a gang war going on here and a lot of people are afraid. They’re afraid to come right now, they’re afraid to speak and nobody wants to say anything,” Savon said.

KIRO 7 spoke with Eveona’s father after the shooting happened.

“She’s just a beautiful human being. She was full of joy. She was full of life. She was laughter,” said Ruben Cortez, who drove down to Burien from Vancouver after learning about what happened to his daughter.

Elizabeth’s family describes her as loud and energetic girl who loved sports.

Mothers at the vigil, were too afraid to let their kids – friends of the victims – remember them on camera.

But Savon, a grandmother, says she’s not scared and wants to get her message out.

“Whoever saw their license plate needs to speak up,” Savon said. “Please, the gang – you know who I’m talking about. You guys need to stop. Just stop it because you took these girls out. I don’t know who they are but they know who they are,” Savon said.

The shooting was initially reported as a possible drive-by shooting, but now detectives say the shooting is gang related and they have suspect information. However, investigators are still looking for more eyewitnesses to come forward.

Authorities say there has been an increase in violence in the area lately.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is asking you to call CrimeStoppers (1-800-222-8477) to submit an anonymous tip, or call 911 with any information.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family with costs for Eveona's funeral.

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