Burien city leaders worry crime-solving tips won’t come

In the wake of a shooting that killed two teen girls in Burien, city leaders admit they are worried fears over immigration and deportation could hinder the investigation into the crime that occurred Wednesday near the Alturas apartments on Ambaum Boulevard.

RELATED: Two teenage girls shot, killed in Burien

Less than 24 hours after the teens were killed, King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht came to the apartment building parking lot in the 13600 block of Ambaum Boulevard, meeting with relatives of the victims. The sheriff was joined by Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta, who spoke to KIRO 7 before the vigil.

Matta told the public to not be afraid.

“I would go as far as … if anyone in law enforcement saw children being murdered in our community that the first thing in their mind wouldn’t be to deport people.”

Matta and Burien City Manager Brian Wilson admitted they are concerned the public may not call police over fear that they could be questioned on matters of immigration.

As loved ones of the two teen girls gathered Thursday evening and lit candles in memory of the teens, they said they are worried justice will not be served if people don’t work with police to catch the people responsible. They also were concerned that witnesses might not call in tips or information.

Johanknecht made it clear she wants people to call. So did others, including Matta. “Whether you’re documented or undocumented, if you saw something pick up the phone, call 911.”

Sheriff office spokesman Sgt. Ryan Abbott said the department will focus on the area where the shooting occurred. “We’re hoping to continue to get more officers out there, do some emphasis patrol.”

Abbott said the sheriff’s office received federal grant money that has helped pay for a special emphasis team to deal with crime in the area.

Abbott said more people should call 911 sooner and more often, “even if it’s something like people talking, or they seem upset … Before it turns into gunfire and tragic ending, we want people to call 911.”

“What they (shooters) did yesterday, they took somebody’s daughter, somebody’s niece and we need to stand up to violence,” Matta said.