MOLINE, Ill. — Editor's note: Previous reports identified one victim as a 20-year-old. News 8 has since been informed that the victim was 19.
The Moline Police Department has launched a homicide investigation after two people were found dead early Sunday morning, officials say.
Around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 5, police were called to the 1800 block of 31st Street, right off Avenue of the Cities, for an "unknown problem at the residence." Upon entry, officials say they found two deceased people in the basement — a 19-year-old male and a 17-year-old male both from Moline. Both had died from apparent gunshot wounds.
Police say they responded to the same residence earlier in the morning around 2:30 a.m. after receiving a noise complaint for a large house party "and unruly behavior." Multiple individuals had already left before police arrived and the noise had ended. According to a press release, police believe this call is related to the deaths discovered later in the morning.
After the bodies were discovered, the scene was secured as police began an investigation. News 8 was at the scene around 10 a.m. Sunday and police were still working at the residence.
The incident remains under investigation but police say it was not random. No information was provided on if any arrests have been made. The department says numerous detectives are working on the case by interviewing witnesses and canvassing the neighborhood for additional witnesses and video.
Moline Police is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at (309) 762-9500, use the P3 Tips app or call the Moline Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (309) 797-0401. Police say "those with knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the incident will be critical to a swift resolution to this case."
In addition, the department is asking anyone with photo or video evidence to submit it directly to their online community portal. A link to submit evidence directly for this case can be found here.
"The tragic events that have unfolded in our community this past weekend are a sobering reminder that we have work to do in helping our young people to turn away from violence," Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati said in a press release. "As a parent, my heart grieves for the losses multiple families and friends feel at this time. As mayor, I stand with our police who are working to deliver justice, and who consistently walk in partnership with community institutions to help our children make the best decisions they can. I call on all of us to reinvest in the work of building up the lives of our youth and our community so we can all live full and productive lives, together."
Moline-Coal Valley School District Statement
The 17-year-old victim was identified as a student in the Moline-Coal Valley School District. Dr. Rachel Savage, Superintendent of Schools, released the following statement Monday morning:
With sincerest sympathy, the Moline-Coal Valley School District wishes to express condolences to the family of the young man who passed away Sunday morning. He was a student in our district and was an important part of our learning community. He will be dearly missed. Our hearts go out to his family and our community as we mourn this devastating loss. Grief counseling and other support will be available at Moline High School to address the needs of students and staff. This support is also available to any student, staff, or school within our district. Families with a child in any of our schools can reach out to their school and/or school counselor or social worker to receive additional support and resources.
Online Submission of Video or Photo Evidence
Moline police ask that anybody with video or photo evidence that could assist authorities in their investigation submit evidence using the link found by opening this QR code.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel
