2nd teen identified in Rainier Beach double homicide; $5K reward offered for leads

SEATTLE — Authorities have identified the second of two teenagers killed in a double homicide last Friday in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood.

The King County Medical Examiner previously identified one victim as 17-year-old Traveiah Houfmuse. On Wednesday, the medical examiner identified the second victim as 18-year-old Tyjon Malik Stewart. Police said both were students at Rainier Beach High School.

Investigators said Houfmuse was shot multiple times, while Stewart died from a gunshot wound to the neck.

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The shooting occurred right in front of the South Shore PreK-8 school, and blocks from the Rainier Beach High School. No arrests have been made.

Seattle police have not said whether the shooting was gang-related, citing the ongoing investigation.

“I’m not going to comment on any connections that there may be for the integrity of the case,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said. “Our officers and detectives are working very, very hard on it.”

On the evening of the shooting, Mayor Katie Wilson posted to her X account, addressing the shooting as she was on a flight, while Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth and councilmembers Dionne Foster and Eddie Lin were all present on scene throughout the evening.

“I was flying home from D.C. when I got the terrible news about the shootings in Rainier Beach this evening,” Wilson wrote on X. “I am heartbroken by the loss of two young Seattleites with their whole lives ahead of them. Deputy Mayor Surratt and our partners, Council President Hollingsworth, Councilmembers Lin and Foster, SPS Superintendent Fred Podesta, and School Board Director Jen LaVallee are on the ground doing what they can to respond to the situation. This community deserves justice.”

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As the investigation continues, community groups have stepped in to help prevent further violence. The Progress Pushers, a Federal Way-based nonprofit focused on community violence intervention and youth support, sent staff and resources to Rainier Beach in the days following the shooting.

The organization held a community circle on Feb. 3, a gathering intended to emphasize unity, healing, and shared responsibility. The Progress Pushers work in several local schools and partner with other nonprofits to respond to incidents of gun violence.

Jeremy Winzer, the group’s director of community violence intervention and youth support, said he has known both victims since second grade through school and basketball programs. He urged the public to avoid labeling the teens and instead focus on prevention and healing.

“Nobody in any community wants this,” Winzer said. “We don’t want to hear stories like this anymore.”

Winzer also voiced concerns about potential retaliation. KOMO News found social media posts circulating after the shooting that appear to show teens holding guns and claiming to be at memorials for the victims.

Seattle police said they are increasing their presence in Rainier Beach. The department’s mobile precinct will remain in the neighborhood for at least three months, an extension from the original plan to stay for one week.

Police continue to ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators.

The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation announced Wednesday it is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection with the deadly shooting.

“Violence thrives in silence,” the foundation said. “We believe community members deserve safe ways to come forward, and families deserve answers.”