Victims killed in Point Hope shooting identified as Molly Stone and Konrad Killigvuk

On Sunday night, a shooting in the close-knit community of Point Hope in the North Slope resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals and severe injuries to two others, according to charges filed on Monday.

The incident has deeply affected the community of over 800 residents, sparking waves of grief and concern for the affected families.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder in connection with the incident.

Borough officials issued a statement Monday morning, stating, “The matter is still under investigation, but we want to assure the public that there is NO ONGOING RISK to community safety. This was an isolated incident, and the suspect is currently in custody.” Tikigaq School officials announced on Facebook that classes were canceled Monday “due to the tragedy in our community.” Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed his condolences on social media, saying that he and his wife, Rose, “are devastated by the tragic shooting that occurred in Point Hope. Our hearts ache for the families and residents affected by this senseless act. We will continue to pray for healing and justice.”

One injured victim has been identified as Elmer Thomas IV.

The North Slope Borough Police Department reacted to the shooting after 11:30 p.m. Sunday at a residence in the western area of the town, as outlined in a summary of a police report detailed in the charging documents filed in Kotzebue.

According to the summary, officers discovered a deceased woman and man and two injured men, all seemingly shot with a firearm.

A witness informed police that she observed the boy entering the residence and discharging a firearm, while others reported seeing him depart the scene with a handgun, the summary mentioned.

At approximately 11:45 p.m., the teenager and his father reached the nearby police station, as outlined in the summary. Informed of his Miranda rights, the boy was interviewed by police in the presence of his parents.

According to the summary, he admitted to shooting the four adults. Under state law, minors aged 16 or older charged with serious felonies like murder may be transferred to adult court.

Various residents of Point Hope and nearby communities described the incident in interviews and social media updates, offering their sympathy to the affected families.

“In the coming days, we will unite as a community to find solace and stand by each other,” stated the North Slope Borough, expressing condolences and offering assistance to those affected by the tragedy.

The North Slope Health Department and Maniilaq Association are collaborating to provide grief counseling services to residents requiring support, the borough confirmed.