Investigators are trying to figure out whether the deaths---suspected suicides---are related in any way.
“If that happened that there was some sort of pact, we need to know that because it may lead to further tragedies such as this one,” city spokesman Celso Martinez said. “We don’t know if it was but we don’t want to discount the possibility offhand.”
Police confirmed that the young women were friends.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the two families. We are treating these two cases with the care and compassion they deserve, and will continue to seek answers for the families,” said Murphy Police Chief Arthur Cotton in a statement.
Students told CBS that they hope the tragic deaths will spur more conversation about suicidal thoughts.
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“I don’t know what the school can do, or anyone else can do to prevent stuff like this really,” said student Praharsha Sunkara. “But I really think that just talking about it would help.”
Anyone contemplating suicide or dealing with the suicide of someone they know is urged to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
