A man from Alaska has been arrested in connection with the murder of two teenage girls, whose bodies were discovered under unclear circumstances earlier this month, according to state police.
Shaquille Carawan, 20, faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. He is also charged with tampering with evidence, misconduct involving a controlled substance, and providing alcohol to minors in a dry community, as stated in a recent press release from the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
Authorities have not provided details about the specific events surrounding the murders or what resulted in their finding. Authorities reported that the two women were murdered in a brutal manner.
On the morning of October 2, the bodies of 18-year-olds Novely Rivers and Abigail Olson were found inside a home in Hooper Bay, a small town located on the southwestern coast of Alaska.
The state medical examiner’s office found that the teenagers died from “multiple knife injuries,” as stated in charging documents acquired by Bethany-based Alaska Public Radio affiliate KYUK.
State troopers ask for the public’s assistance in their first press release. The City of Hooper Bay and the Native Village of Hooper Bay have announced a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of those responsible for the deaths.
Troopers emphasized their focus on obtaining “FIRST-HAND information” regarding the crime. The involvement of a tipster in the charges against Carawan remains uncertain, though a subsequent press release indicated that local tips and information contributed to the investigation.
Authorities secured warrants and linked the accused to the victim through text messages, as stated in the documents.
According to the text messages, state troopers claim that Carawan planned to provide Rivers and Olson with marijuana and homemade alcohol on the day of their deaths.
Once the registration of the other phone number was verified, authorities secured a second warrant to search for Carawan’s home. State troopers discovered key evidence linked to the murders, as stated in the charging document.
Authorities reportedly discovered shoes with blood in the treads and a knife concealed between a refrigerator and a wall, matching other evidence located at the crime scene.
According to state troopers, Carawan ultimately admitted to the murders. He was taken into custody on Saturday. A judge determined there was sufficient reason to keep him in custody during a hearing on Monday.
“What I need to tell you, Mr. Carawan, is I will not be accepting a plea from you,” Magistrate Judge Darlene Johnson-Edwards said, according to a courtroom report by KYUK. “However, we’ll be explaining the charges that are being brought against you in this case, and your case will be sent on for further proceedings.”
Prosecutor Jessica Haines expressed serious concerns for community safety regarding Mr. Carawan during the hearing, urging for a substantial monetary posting to ensure the defendant remains in custody.
Bail has been set at $1.5 million by the court, which also instructed the defendant to refrain from contacting the victims’ families.
Carawan is now in custody at the Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 17.