Kent police were called to a home near the Panther Lake area late Tuesday night after neighbors reported a loud argument and cars speeding off down the street. When officers arrived just after 10:20 p.m., they found two young men with gunshot wounds outside the house. Despite immediate life‑saving efforts by officers and Puget Sound Fire crews, both victims died at the scene. The men were identified as a 25‑year‑old from Seattle known locally as “Payup Jody” and a 26‑year‑old from Federal Way. Both are believed to have known the suspect who fled before police arrived. Detectives are interviewing witnesses and processing the scene as they work to find the person or people responsible for the deaths.
There have been no arrests and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. In a separate incident the same night at a bar over six miles away, a man died from stab wounds, but authorities say the two events are not connected.
Kent police say neighbors heard shouts and rapid departure of vehicles before the shots were fired. First responders found the victims behind the residence and attempted CPR and other measures, but neither man could be saved. Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between people who were familiar with each other rather than a random act of violence. Family and friends of the victims are devastated by the loss and the community is shaken by the sudden deaths of two men in their mid‑20s.
Officers canvassed the area, spoke to several people who were nearby at the time of the shooting and collected physical evidence. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the neighborhood and are following up on tips from the public. Despite the late hour and initial fear among neighbors, police say the community is safe and that they are focused on finding whoever pulled the trigger.
Local residents described hearing the argument and later the sound of gunfire, leaving many in the quiet East Hill neighborhood stunned. People living nearby are offering support to the families of the victims while cooperating with police. Some say they hope the suspect is found quickly so the tragic event does not go unanswered.
Investigators emphasize that this was not a random act and that they believe the suspect or suspects had a history with the victims. Police are asking anyone who heard or saw anything unusual in the area around 10 p.m. Tuesday to contact the Kent Police Department. Detectives continue to piece together what led to the deadly confrontation.
The stabbing incident later that night remains under investigation, but authorities have made clear there is no link between that case and the double shooting. Police are continuing to make sure both scenes are handled thoroughly to bring clarity and answers to the families affected by these violent deaths.
