HOUSTON, TX (TIP): Houston police are investigating whether a deadly shooting Wednesday, December 2 afternoon was in retaliation for another deadly shooting that happened just two hours earlier.

The first shooting happened in front of a medical clinic at 8410 Fondren in the Kingsgate Shopping Center. Eyewitnesses say it appeared the victim was trying to get away. An unidentified man was gunned down Wednesday, December 2 afternoon at a busy strip shopping center in southwest Houston. The victim was found around 2:15 p.m. after Houston police officers were sent to investigate a “shooting in progress,” in the 8400 block of Fondren.

He was on the ground in front of a medical clinic at the shopping center.

HPD homicide detectives said the gunmen were in a stolen Hyundai Sonata.

“It appears as though they were shooting from the vehicle,” said Bart Nabors, an HPD homicide detective. After opening fire, the gunmen drove through the parking lot before striking another vehicle. They abandoned the car and ran, officials added.

Police said they have not yet determined a motive for the fatal shooting. “This area is known for some gang activity so that’s always possible,” Nabors said.

Less than two hours later, Houston police responded to another shooting less than two miles away on Jessamine near Rampart. When they arrived, they found a another young Hispanic male dead in the street.

“Due to the proximity of that scene to this, we are going to investigate the possibility they may be linked,” explained Robert Klementich with HPD’s Homicide Division.

Police don’t have a motive for the first shooting. The victim’s mother identifies him as Jeffrey Machado, 17.

The areas are known for gang activity, media reports.