North Pole man shot dead, suspect thought pistol was empty

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Saturday, March 12th, 2022 10:04am

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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - A man was shot to death in North Pole early Saturday morning and a suspect is in custody.

A dispatch from Alaska State Trooper says the report was received at about 1:30.

The victim is identified as 19-year-old Samuel Chastain of North Pole.  Troopers say he was shot in the head with a pistol and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The suspect is identified as 23 year Jubal James also of North Pole.

The dispatch says multiple witnesses were present on the scene.

The investigation revealed that the victim and suspect were friends and had been consuming alcohol and marijuana with multiple juveniles.  

The suspect admitted that he was manipulating the firearm and believing it was empty, pointed it at the victim, and pulled the trigger.  

James was arrested for murder in the 2nd degree and jailed at the Fairbanks Correctional Center.

The dispatch says the investigation continues.  

 

 

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