A 16-year-old teenager is facing adult charges following a Sunday night shooting in Alaska, which resulted in the deaths of two adults and injuries to two others. The incident occurred in Point Hope, a small whaling community in the state’s North Slope Borough.
Court documents obtained by The Associated Press reveal that the teenager has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. According to AP, the Alaskan Police Department received a report of a shooting at a residence in Point Hope around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Upon arrival, officers discovered four gunshot victims, comprising three men and one woman. Sadly, one man and the woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Prosecutors stated in court documents that a witness observed the teenager entering the residence before opening fire.
Prosecutors revealed that approximately 10 minutes after the shooting, the father of the shooter brought him to the Point Hope Police Station, where he confessed to the crime.
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Whether the teenager had any relationship with the victims remains unclear. Investigators are currently probing for a motive behind the incident. According to the Associated Press, on Tuesday, February 27, the teen, Guy Nashookpuk, appeared in court via telephone.
Represented by a public defender, Nashookpuk only interacted with Magistrate Judge Colleen Baxter, answering “Yes ma’am” to her inquiries. In Alaska, individuals aged 16 and older facing murder charges are tried as adults. Nashookpuk’s public defender entered not-guilty pleas on his behalf.
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North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Patkotak issued a statement on Monday, February 26, regarding the shooting incident. “Last night, incidents occurred in Point Hope that resulted in the loss of lives and injuries among our residents,” Patkotak stated in the release shared on Facebook.
“First and foremost, our hearts go out to the family and friends of those affected. In these moments, we stand together, offering our support and condolences to all impacted by this tragedy.”
Patkotak emphasized in the news release that the shooting is believed to be an isolated incident, and there is no risk to the public. Alaskan Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed via X, formerly known as Twitter that he and his wife are praying for the community and victims affected by this tragedy.
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“Rose and I are devastated by the tragic shooting that occurred in Point Hope,” Dunleavy expressed. “Our hearts ache for the families and residents affected by this senseless act. We will continue to pray for healing and justice.”
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