2 Missing 16-Year-Olds Found Dead in Wooded Area Hours After Vanishing in Alaska

Authorities in Juneau, Alaska, have confirmed the tragic discovery of two missing teenagers, Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark, who were found deceased in a wooded area on Monday afternoon, August 31. Both teenagers, aged 16, went missing earlier that day, prompting urgent searches by local police.

The bodies were located near the 6800 block of Glacier Highway at approximately 2:25 p.m. after the teenagers had been reported missing earlier that morning. Police stated that preliminary investigations indicated both had sustained fatal gunshot wounds, and a firearm was recovered from the scene. The investigation is ongoing, with the bodies set to be examined by the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage.

Phillips was reported missing from his residence on Kanata Street around 5:52 a.m., just before Clark was reported missing from her home on Teal Street a few hours later. Authorities had believed that the two were together and had warned the public that they might have access to a firearm, advising people not to approach them or attempt to make contact.

The Juneau Police Department later announced that both victims’ families had been notified of their tragic deaths. The community is now grappling with the aftermath, and the police have indicated that support and counselling services will be made available for students and staff affected by this heartbreaking incident, as both teenagers were likely known to many within the local school district.

The police have since expressed their condolences in a public statement to the families, friends, and classmates of the young individuals who lost their lives. “The Juneau Police Department extends its condolences to the families, friends, classmates, and others affected by this loss,” the statement concluded.

In additional statements, police provided physical descriptions of the teenagers to help clarify their identities during their search. Leotis Phillips was described as an Alaska Native male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches in height and weighing between 140 and 160 pounds. He typically wore his long black hair in a ponytail and has brown eyes, often seen wearing a purple bandana, a black hooded sweatshirt, and brown trousers. Zoey Clark, on the other hand, was identified as a white female, standing around 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 140 pounds.

The alarming nature of the incident, particularly concerning the involvement of a firearm, has raised several questions within the community. Local schools and families are now facing an emotional reckoning as the details surrounding the incident become clearer through ongoing investigations.

As the police continue their inquiry, members of the public who may have information related to the case are urged to come forward. Officials have not disclosed further details at this time, but it is evident that this event has impacted the close-knit community of Juneau deeply.

The Juneau Police Department has pledged to provide updates to the public as more information is available. The loss of Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and support in times of tragedy.