POINT HOPE, ALASKA – A tragic incident unfolded in Point Hope, Alaska, where a teenage boy, Guy Nashookpuk, has been charged with killing two adults and wounding two others in a shooting on Sunday night. The suspect, 16-year-old Nashookpuk, faces two first-degree counts each of murder and attempted murder following the shooting that took place at a residence on Agvik Street. Borough police responded to the scene just after 11:30 p.m. and found four gunshot victims, including a deceased man and woman, along with two seriously injured men.
Witnesses reported seeing Nashookpuk enter the residence with a handgun and begin shooting. He later fled the scene on a four-wheeler. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and details about the relationship between Nashookpuk and the victims have not been disclosed. Following the incident, Nashookpuk’s father brought him to the Point Hope police station where he reportedly confessed to the crime.
During his court appearance, Nashookpuk pleaded not guilty, and a judge set his bail at $1 million, requiring a third-party custodian for his release. The North Slope Borough officials declined to provide information about the victims’ identities or the conditions of the survivors.
North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Patkotak confirmed that the shooting occurred in Point Hope, a small community located approximately 330 miles southwest of Utqiagvik. Patkotak assured the public that there is no ongoing risk to community safety, emphasizing that the incident was isolated. The suspect is currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
The North Slope Borough officials have not disclosed the number of individuals killed or injured in the shooting, maintaining that the case is being handled by the local police department. In response to the tragedy, the local TikiÄĦaq School was closed on Monday, with grief counseling services being organized for the community by the North Slope Health Department and the Maniilaq Association.
As the community grapples with this devastating event, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The details of the incident and any additional developments will be updated as more information becomes available.