SEATTLE, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Three Seattle teens were arrested Monday in connection to the shooting death of two homeless people at an encampment known as The Jungle.
The 13-, 16- and 17-year-olds were arrested at a homeless camp beneath Interstate 90 and were being interviewed in connection to the deaths, Seattle police Chief Kathleen O'Toole said. Police said they recovered one gun that may have been used in the fatal shooting. It is unclear if the suspects are homeless.
"Catching those responsible for this senseless act of violence has been the focus of our efforts since our patrol officers arrived on scene," O'Toole said. "This is a very active, ongoing investigation."
Jeannine L. Zapata, 45, and James Q. Tran, 33, were killed and three others were wounded in the Jan. 26 shooting. The wounded victims are in satisfactory condition. Police said the incident was drug related and the victims were targeted.
The shooting occurred as the city is grappling with its growing homeless problem. A recent count showed some 4,500 people were homeless in and around Seattle, representing a 19 percent increase over 2015.
