The Lacey Police Department is asking the public for information that would aid their investigation into the double homicide of two teenage boys early Friday morning.
The teens have since been identified as brothers Alexander M. Borgen, 16, of Lacey, and Deven J. Borgen, 17, of Rainier.
“Investigation has determined this to have been a drive-by shooting,” the Lacey Police Department said in a social media post Friday afternoon.
Police confirmed on social media Friday afternoon that the incident occurred in the area of 24th and College streets at approximately 1:50 a.m. on Nov. 14.
Lacey police responded to reports of shots fired and two subjects down on the roadway at 24th Ave. SE and College St. SE. in the City of Lacey, according to information released by the department on social media Friday afternoon.
Officers responded and located two unresponsive males with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers rendered aid and summoned medics, who continued life saving efforts. However, both subjects died at the scene.
Anyone with information on the incident is advised to call dispatch at 360-704-2740. Investigators are specifically asking for any video surveillance available south of 24th Ave. SE along College St. SE between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. the morning of Nov. 14.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation announced Saturday that it is raising money to plant two memorial trees for the brothers as part of its Trees for Peace program, and is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
The family of the Borgen brothers have started several fundraisers to support the boys’ mother and grandparents as they grieve, and to cover the costs of memorial services.
A fundraiser started by the boys’ uncle, Daniel Nail, had raised $22,193 as of Sunday afternoon.
“Whether you’re able to give, share, or simply keep the families in your thoughts, your kindness means more than we can express,” Nail said on the online fundraiser page. “Thank you for honoring the boys with your generosity, your compassion, and your continued support as we all try to hold each other up through this heartbreak.”
To donate or learn more about Nail’s fundraiser, visit http://spot.fund/d356g26sc.
A separate fundraiser to specifically support the boys’ grandparents on behalf of Deven, who lived with them, had raised $5,383 as of Sunday afternoon. That fundraiser can be accessed at https://gofund.me/734b08951.
Deven was a senior at Rainier High School. Alex reportedly lived separately with his mother.
The family clarified Sunday that the proceeds of all fundraisers would be combined and split fairly, “ensuring that everything given in love will support both boys and the families caring for them,” the organizer of one of the fundraisers, Analyssa Littrell, said in a written update. “At the end of the day, the most important thing is that both brothers are laid to rest with dignity, honor, and peace, and that our focus remains on love, unity, and healing.”
