Two teens are dead after they were found shot in a wooded area in Jackson Township on Friday night.
A 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were found by police around 8:29 p.m. in the woods south of Portage Road and east of Akron Avenue. A handgun was found at the scene.
Jackson Township is a small town about 9 miles northwest of Canton.
The boy was transported to a nearby hospital and died around 2 a.m. Saturday morning. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say the teens died from gunshot wounds to the head. Their deaths are being investigated as a possible murder-suicide or a double suicide.
Northwest Local School District Superintendent Dr. Mike Shreffler issued the following statement Saturday morning:
The Northwest Local School District is heartbroken to report the loss of two of our high school students. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families during this difficult time. Counselors will be on site at Northwest High School today starting at 10am providing support to staff and students. The School district will release a support schedule at a later time. Rest assured, our schools will be well staffed with certified and qualified counselors all day Monday and as long as needed after that.
Our district staff works hard to provide students and staff with the resources and support they need to handle difficult situations that they are facing. We will continue to do this. I am asking that, at this time, you give the families space to grieve and respect their wishes. Please keep in mind that social media is not the place to get accurate information or to spread rumors. I ask that you seek out information from the Superintendent’s office or the office of High School Principal, Larry Tausch. I know there is a lot of curiosity at this time. The district will keep you posted as time allows.
On behalf of the board of education and the administration, I am asking all students, staff and community members to come together to support one another during this trying time.
