One 16-year-old girl killed, second injured in Othello shooting

OTHELLO — A 16-year-old girl was killed and a second 16-year-old girl sustained life-threatening injuries when occupants of a car opened fire on the car one of the girls was driving late Thursday night. A release from the Othello Police Department said officers believe the shooting may be gang-related.

The name of the homicide victim has not been released. The release did not say if any suspects have been identified.

The homicide was reported at about 11:30 p.m. Thursday; officers were summoned to the intersection of Sylvan Drive and Rose Place after reports of gunfire, according to the release.

“Officers found a white SUV had crashed into an apartment building,” the release said. “It was also discovered that two 16-year-old females had been struck by gunfire. One of the victims was the driver of the SUV, and she was found deceased.”

“The other victim was transported to Othello Community Hospital and later transferred to another hospital with life-threatening injuries. There were three unharmed occupants of the SUV,” the release continued. “The investigation revealed that the white SUV was following a second vehicle when an occupant of the second vehicle began shooting. Several shots were fired, leaving shell casings behind.”

The second victim was still in the hospital as of Friday afternoon.

Washington State Patrol crime scene investigators assisted the OPD in the investigation at the scene, along with deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the release said. The case is still under investigation.