MOLINE, Ill. — The Moline Police Department has initiated a homicide investigation following the discovery of two individuals deceased from gunshot wounds in a residence on the 1800 block of 31st Street early Sunday morning. The victims were identified as a 20-year-old and a 17-year-old from Moline.
Authorities were alerted to the scene at approximately 4:30 a.m. after a report of an unspecified issue at the address. Upon entering the residence, law enforcement officers found the two victims deceased in the basement, both having succumbed to apparent gunshot injuries.
Earlier that morning, at around 2:30 a.m., the police had been dispatched to the same residence in response to a noise complaint stemming from a large house party. Despite several individuals having already departed by the time law enforcement arrived, the disturbance had ceased. It is believed that this earlier incident is related to the tragic deaths later discovered.
Following the grim find, the area was cordoned off as authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. No arrests have been reported at this time, and detectives are diligently conducting interviews and canvassing the neighborhood for additional witnesses or video evidence.
Moline Police are urging anyone with information to make contact with Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities or the Moline Police Department Criminal Investigations Division. The community is implored to assist in providing any relevant information or evidence to aid in the swift resolution of the case.
Officials stress that the events underscore the importance of addressing and preventing violence among young people in the community. Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati expressed condolences for the families affected by the tragedy and highlighted the collaborative efforts with law enforcement and community organizations to guide youth in making positive choices. The mayor called on the community to come together to support the youth and ensure a safe and thriving environment for all residents.