Nikiski man charged with murder in his mother’s death – Alaska Public Media

A 20-year-old Nikiski man is going through a first-degree homicide cost within the loss of life of his mom.

Alaska State Troopers arrested 20-year-old River Aspelund on Tuesday after discovering 49-year-old Jeryl Bates useless at their shared dwelling. Bates’ daughter had requested police to verify on her after Bates failed to point out up for work.

After coming into the house by means of a again door, troopers discovered Bates’ physique with gunshot and stab wounds. Troopers say Aspelund was asleep and initially unresponsive within the dwelling after they arrived, however he ultimately woke, moved a dresser that was barricading the again entrance of the house, and was ultimately detained.

Troopers returned later that day with a search warrant and located a bloody revolver and knife in a automobile within the driveway, together with mail and clothes belonging to Aspelund. An investigator additionally discovered empty bottles of bleach and cleaner and indicators that Aspelund dragged Bates’ physique inside the home.

Police haven’t pointed to a motive, however Aspelund’s sister instructed troopers that earlier that week her brother had taken a firearm out of a protected in her mom’s dwelling and solely returned it after she threatened to report him.

Aspelund was in custody on the Wildwood Pretrial Facility in Kenai on Friday. He’s charged with homicide within the first diploma and tampering with proof.

The Kenai Public Defender Company, which is representing Aspelund, didn’t reply to requests for remark earlier than this story aired.