Police were on the scene of two teenage killings in Brentwood Thursday, searching for evidence and possible links to gangs in the community.
The body of Nisa Mickens, 15, was found brutally beaten on Stahley Street Tuesday night. Police say Mickens and her friend Kayla Cuevas, 16, went for a walk Tuesday night. Cuevas was missing until her body was found a couple hundred feet from Nisa's body on Wednesday night. Police say she was also beaten to death.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini says that there were indications that the assaults may have been carried out by members of a gang. He did not elaborate on those details.
"The injuries were significant. Whoever did this is depraved and we're not going to stop until we solve this crime," says Sini.
Sini also stressed the need for the community's help to bring justice for the two families. He said there is a $5,000 reward that will be paid within 48 hours of an arrest in this case.
A candlelight vigil is set for 6 p.m. Friday at Brentwood High School's Frank A. Mauro Stadium. Students are being asked to wear green and white in support of the vigil.
Anyone with information about the deaths is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.