Honk News (Fairbanks, AL) – A routine welfare check by a woman on a client took a heartbreaking turn when she found a young boy deceased in an apartment, while his mother and younger sister were missing.
Authorities described the situation as “devastating,” occurring in Fairbanks, Alaska, on Friday, February 7, according to a press release from the Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) shared on Facebook on February 8.
Authorities arrived at the residence of Heather Alexie, 36, following a report concerning an unusual death, according to police statements. The individual informed the authorities that she had not been in contact with Heather, one of her clients, “for quite some time,” prompting her to visit Heather’s apartment to ensure the well-being of both her and her two children.
Authorities reported that the woman found a child lifeless in the apartment upon her arrival.
Upon reaching the location, investigators concluded that the child, later recognized as Heather’s 6-year-old son, Peter Alexie, had tragically lost his life due to foul play. At the same time, authorities reported that Heather and her 5-year-old daughter, Renee Alexie, were absent from the location and could not be found in the Fairbanks vicinity.
Authorities located Heather’s phone in the Anchorage area and, thanks to the community’s response to a “Missing Persons/Suspicious Circumstances” alert issued for the two, were able to determine her precise whereabouts later that day.
Thanks to the efforts of the Anchorage Police Department, Heather and Renee were found by Saturday evening, as reported in a Facebook update from the FPD. Authorities reported that they were discovered “unharmed.”
During the inquiry into her son’s tragic demise, Heather found herself under suspicion. During an interview with homicide detectives, she acknowledged causing the injuries that resulted in Peter’s death before heading to Anchorage with her daughter a few days afterward, according to the FPD.
Following the incident, authorities took her into custody for charges of second-degree murder, while her daughter was placed under state protection. The child, aged 5, is reported to be “safe,” as stated by law enforcement.
FPD Chief Ron Dupee expressed his thoughts on the homicide case in the department’s Feb. 8 press release, describing it as “incredibly tragic and heartbreaking.”
The FPD acknowledged the Fairbanks community’s desire for prompt answers, stating that this situation is one of those instances where law enforcement is unable to disclose details right away due to several significant reasons.