HOUSTON -- The Houston Independent School District is extending its condolences to both family and friends after the deaths of two students on Thursday.
The two 15-year-olds, students at Lamar High School, died in an apparent murder-suicide off-campus, HISD and Houston police confirm.
The district is making grief counselors available at Lamar to help school administrators and students.
The teens were found dead around 5 p.m. at an apartment complex along Buffalo Speedway between Richmond Avenue and West Alabama Street. They appeared to have been shot to death, according to police.
HPD Assistant Chief H.J. Gaw said the deceased were best friends, but police were not immediately sure which teenager was the shooter.
Their bodies were first discovered by the mother of the teen who lived at the apartment.
The gun recovered from the scene belonged to the family living at the apartment, Gaw said. He added the mother who made the emergency call indicated her son was going through "chronic mental issues."
On average, there are 123 suicides per day in the United States. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.