Independence police investigate double homicide near school

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - A call about gunfire led Independence Police Officers to a shooting down the street from a high school.

Officers responded to the area of North Lynn Street and E. Nickell Avenue after several people called to report gunshots. The neighborhood is about a block away from William Chrisman High School.

Police arrived at a house and found Jessika Koehler, 47, and Janessa Russell, 44, suffering from gunshot injuries. The two victims died before they could be transported to a hospital.

Officers searched the neighborhood and located a third person who was also suffering from a gunshot injury. Detectives said they believe the person shot and killed the two victims. Officers took the injured person into custody.

ALSO READ: Kansas City police investigate baby’s death

The school district placed Willian Chrisman High School on lockdown as a precaution. Teachers and students have since been allowed to leave.