On Tuesday night, the body of 15-year-old Nisa Mickens was found outside of Loretta Park Elementary School. The very next day, a body that matched the description of Mickens’s missing friend was found in a wooded area only a couple hundred feet away. Officials believe it to be the body of 16-year-old Kayla Cuevas.

According to Pix 11, Mickens and Cuevas were walking in the Brentwood area when gang members attempted to abduct Cuevas. Mickens reportedly attempted to step in and help her friend, but was beaten to death and left on the side of the road.

Suffolk County Police Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer said the two killings are believed to be related. However, no motive for the killings has been released.

“This brutal attack of a teenager will not stand in Suffolk County,” Police Commissioner Tim Sini said. “We’re going to catch this depraved perpetrator.”

After performing an autopsy, a medical examiner ruled that Mickens’s death was a homicide. The examiner stated that Mickens suffered from more than 10 wounds to her face and head. Mickens was killed just before her birthday. The 15-year-old was set to turn 16 on Wednesday night. Mickens’s family brought gifts and balloons to the area where her body was found.

A $5,000 reward has been posted for information leading to an arrest and conviction.