In a disturbing incident, two 16-year-old boys were found dead within a half mile of each other along Interstate 5, according to Washington State Patrol. The victims, identified as Jahaz S. Phillips and Myion Coleman, were discovered hidden behind a high concrete wall and dense forest along the busy Seattle highway, law enforcement officials reported.

The first victim's body was discovered in a ditch near North 85th Street and I-5, catching the attention of a passerby on Thursday night. Approximately 12 hours later, around 8 a.m. local time on Friday, the second victim was spotted nearby. Both teenagers sadly passed away due to gunshot wounds, as confirmed by the police.

The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the homicides, as well as where and when the actual killings occurred, is still ongoing. Authorities have not provided further details on how the two cases are connected. Fox News Digital reached out to Washington State Patrol for additional information, but immediate responses were not received.

Trooper Rick Johnson, from the Washington State Patrol, revealed to local news outlet King 5 on Sunday that the deaths were determined to be related following interviews with the victims' families. However, he did not provide further elaboration on this connection. Fox News 13 Seattle also confirmed that the cases are connected but did not disclose the specifics.

Residents living near the stretch of I-5 where the bodies were discovered expressed their grief and concern over the tragic incident. Jake Rower, a neighbor, shared his heartbreak, stating, "The younger it is, the more heartbreaking it is for sure." He described the area where the victims were found as secluded, with a high concrete retaining wall and dense greenery blocking visibility unless one is on the ramp.

Initially, it was suspected that the teenagers may have been hit by a vehicle, but autopsies revealed that they had succumbed to gunshot wounds. The investigation into who committed these heinous acts and what led to the tragic deaths of Jahaz S. Phillips and Myion Coleman continues.

Chris Eberhart, a crime and US news reporter for Fox News Digital, has been covering the incident. Any relevant information or tips can be directed to Chris Eberhart via email at chris.eberhart@fox.com or on Twitter @ChrisEberhart48.

As investigations unfold, Washington State Patrol and local authorities are committed to bringing justice to these young victims and their families.