Two slain Brentwood teens to be laid to rest this week

Funeral services for Nisa Mickens, one of two Brentwood teenagers fatally beaten in what police have called a gang slaying, will take place Wednesday, her family said.

Services for both Mickens, 15, and classmate and best friend Kayla Cuevas, 16, will occur this week as the police investigation into their killings continues.

Suffolk police have declined to provide any updates on the investigation nor say whether they’re close to making any arrests.

Mickens’ funeral is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Rose’s Funeral Home, 1705 5th Ave., Bay Shore, according to her father, Rob Mickens. Cremation will follow.

The Michael J. Grant Funeral Home in Brentwood is handling arrangements for Cuevas. Visitation has been scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m. on both days. Further details have not been released.

Mickens’ body was found on the evening of Sept. 13 by a passing motorist on Stahley Street in Brentwood, police said. Less than 24 hours later, Cuevas’ body was found in a wooded area in the rear of a home on nearby Ray Court, police said.

An autopsy determined both teens died from blunt force trauma, police said.

Investigators are examining whether a fight between Cuevas and members of the MS-13 gang may have been a motive in the slayings, a law enforcement source has said.

By Nicole Fuller

nicole.fuller@newsday.com@NicoleFuller

Nicole Fuller is Newsday's senior criminal justice reporter. She began working at Newsday in 2012 and previously covered local government.