Point Hope, Alaska – A tragic incident unfolded in Point Hope, Alaska, where a 16-year-old boy confessed to a shooting that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and the injury of two others.
According to court documents, the North Slope Borough Police responded to a shooting report at 11:35 p.m. on Sunday, discovering a man and a woman deceased at a residence, along with two men with serious wounds. All victims had been shot with a firearm. Witnesses reported seeing the teen enter the home with a handgun and begin shooting before fleeing on a four-wheeler.
The teen’s father brought him to the Point Hope police station at 11:44 p.m., where the boy admitted to the crime. Following an interview with his parents present, the teenager confessed to shooting the four adults. Authorities have detained the suspect, who will face charges as an adult, as confirmed by the Department of Law on Tuesday.
In the wake of the tragedy, North Slope Borough officials acknowledged the “shooting incident” that occurred on Sunday, resulting in multiple fatalities among residents. While the exact number of casualties was not disclosed, the mayor’s office stated that lives were lost and injuries sustained in Point Hope.
Ariana Danner, a public information officer for the borough, confirmed the occurrence of the shooting but refrained from providing further details. The borough reassured the public of no immediate safety risks and announced the apprehension of a suspect. Additionally, grief counseling services were made available to aid the community in coping with the emotional aftermath of the event.
Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed his condolences through a social media statement, condemning the senseless act of violence. In response to the tragedy, Tikigaq School closed on Monday to allow time for residents to support one another. While there was no indication of the school reopening on Tuesday, the community rallied around those affected by the heartbreaking incident.