PALM BAY, Fla -- Police in Palm Bay are actively investigating the death of a 14-year-old and 16-year-old, whose bodies were found in the southwest part of the city in an area known as ”The Compound.”

Police got a call from a hunter who discovered something suspicious around 8:30 p.m. on Christmas. When they arrived on the scene, police found two teens with gunshot wounds, one in a ditch and another found a short time later while searching for evidence in the wooded area. Officials said where these teens were killed makes it hard to find answers early on.

“That is a very difficult part of the investigation right now. It is a very rural area out there, there are no houses,” added Lieutenant Michael Roberts of the Palm Bay Police Department. “Obviously, the Ring cameras and any other technology that we may or may not have is not available to us.”

Police confirm the 14-year-old is Jeremiah Brown. The family of the 16-year-old is requesting their name remain confidential under Marsy’s Law.

“The Compound” is an abandoned housing development that sits vacant. People use it for outdoor recreational activities like ATV riding or hunting. Officials with the police department explain they monitor the area.

Roger Holloway has lived in the city since 1992, and he said he spends time in that area.

“It’s been a playground ever since I’ve been here,” explained Holloway.

He said hobbyists frequent the 12 square mile area.

“You hear gunfire out there all the time,” added Holloway. “People go out there shooting guns for whatever reason, target, I guess.”

Holloway was in the area in the afternoon on Christmas day, but nothing was out of the ordinary. He adds he was home later that night when he saw emergency vehicles heading towards the area but didn’t know what happened.

“Terrible. I mean, it has been a place for hobbyists. Something like that happen it puts a damper on the area,” explained Holloway.

Lieutenant Roberts called this a complete tragedy.

“It is incredibly tragic, especially for our youth population. Christmas night, I mean you can’t paint a worse picture,” added Roberts.

He said they need anyone who may have seen or heard something to speak up. People can call the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456. They can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-423-TIPS if they want to remain anonymous.