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AN INDIANA community has been left heartbroken over the deaths of two teens who were found with fatal gunshot wounds in a parked car last week.
Family’s and friends of one of the shooting victims gathered on Sunday to honor the late teenager, releasing pink balloons into the air.
The two victims have been identified as Adaija Armani Okey from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and 18-year-old Lamarion Jeremiah Bailey from LaGrange, Georgia.
The teens were found by police on January 29 in the back of a parked car along Romy Avenue in Fort Wayne – roughly two hours northeast of Indianapolis.
They were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials with the Allen County Coroner’s Office have said the teens died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to CBS affiliate WANE.
Their deaths have been ruled as homicides.
It was not immediately clear how the two teenager knew each other.
Okey was a senior at Snider High School and reportedly had a full-ride scholarship to Marion University, relatives told the outlet.
Principal Chad Hissong confirmed her death in a letter to families saying she will be missed by staff and students alike.
“Last night, our school family experienced a death with the loss of Adaija Okey, a senior. Adaija had a bright personality and was recently a part of the group of students who helped FWCS develop the Portrait of a Graduate. Her input was valued, and her presences will be missed by staff and students,” the letter read.
“We have counselors available to assist students and staff in working through issues related to the grieving process. These resources will be available as long as needed to help students and staff deal with their grief.”
People close to the teenager told WANE that Okey always had a smile on her face and had a bubbly personality.
She reportedly had big dreams about her future, having worked in LA Fashion Week and was set to sign a modeling contract.
“I don’t feel like it’s fair. It’s hard,” Tiffany Hawkins, Okey’s aunt, told the outlet.
“It’s extremely hard because she was so full of life, something that she did not deserve and we’re just praying for the city that you know these kids would understand that this is something that you can’t undo the younger generation in Fort Wayne needs more guidance.”
Family and friends of Okey came together in Fort Wayne on Sunday to honor the late teenager, according to WPTA.
They reportedly gathered at Promenade Park to share fond memories of the 17-year-old, before releasing pink balloons into the air.
On Saturday night, the girls basketball team at Snider High School also reportedly wore pink during their sectional championship game to honor Okey.
No suspects have been named in the killings of the two teenagers.
Fort Wayne Police did not immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.